Chapter 23: Danger in the Safe Place

Ella’s POV

Noah carried me back to his room, his arms steady and strong even though I kept telling him to put me down. My protests didn’t matter; he acted as if I weighed nothing, his steps quiet but firm. His scent was clean, not like the sweat and dirt of the labour room. It was strange, almost calming. I didn’t want to admit it, but being in his arms felt safe, like a small shield against the world outside.

When he set me down on the bed, the thin ...