Elena’s POV

His hand closed around my wrist before I could react.

The touch was cool—almost deceptively gentle—yet unmistakably firm. Long fingers, pale and elegant, slid down from my wrist into my palm and threaded through my fingers as naturally as if they had always belonged there. With only the slightest exertion of strength, he pulled me forward, straight into his arms.

I froze.

My body reacted before my mind could catch up, muscles locking, breath stalling painfully in my chest. ...