ZURI

I made it only a few strides outside, Eza's scent still fresh in the air, when Adrian suddenly caught my wrist.

"Where are you going?" he asked. His eyes burned into mine, protective, desperate... and afraid?

"Out," I said simply. "I need some air."

His grip tightened. "Not alone. Not with my father still lurking around."

I felt his fear, his frustration, his doubt. All of it pressed against me.

"Adrian." I stepped into his space, close enough to feel ...