“Where did you go?” he asked again, ignoring Tessa’s protest. His voice rose only a fraction, but the pressure was enough to make her lungs tighten. His gaze pinned her. “Three hours out with no word. You disobeyed direct orders and put yourself at risk. Did you not think about what could happen?”

His hand shot up, not to hit but to grab her chin hard. He forced her to look at him.

“Look at me. What happened to you? Why do you look like this?” His eyes dropped to her ...