Elena’s POV

The instant I registered the familiar presence behind me, my body reacted before my mind could catch up. Every muscle locked, then struggled on pure instinct, as if escape alone could scrub away the lingering fear still clinging to my skin.

But the arms around my waist only tightened.

They pulled me back hard, leaving no space between us. My spine pressed flush against his chest, and the heat of his body seeped through the thin fabric of my clothes, scorching my back.

I ...