Roman’s world shattered the instant Desiree crumpled in front of him.

Her knees buckled first.

Then her body followed.

“Desiree!”

The sound that ripped from his throat wasn’t a word, it was a howl barely restrained.

It was filled with pain and fear, twisting together into something raw. He lunged forward just in time to catch her before her body hit the floor. His arms wrapped tightly around her as if he could physically keep her soul from slipping away.

“Desiree, no…no, no, ...