*Roanne’s POV*

I was alone, the silence in my apartment deafening—a stark contrast to the chaos that had unfolded earlier. The heavy knock on my door shattered my solitude. My heart leapt, but when I saw it was Michael through the peephole, relief washed over me like a warm tide.

"Michael," I breathed as I flung the door open. His presence, so assured, enveloped the room. He was privilege and protection, wrapped in tailored clothes that clung to his athletic ...