Sebastian’s grip tightened, every muscle locked in place. He told himself it was just to calm her, to stop the trembling, but his body wasn’t buying the excuse. Heat was flooding through him, pulsing low and insistent, whispering thoughts he had no business entertaining.

But he couldn't help it.

It wasn’t often he saw this side of someone—vulnerable, soft, broken. This was the closest they'd been. The closest anyone had been in a long time.

He glanced down at her, studying the way her ...