MARIA POV
Henry's arms felt like steel around me, firm and steady as he carried me through the dimly lit hallway of the motel. His warmth seeped into me, a balm to my frayed nerves. My body was trembling—weak, tired, and strung out from the nightmare I’d barely escaped. I buried my face in his chest, inhaling the familiar scent of him, clean and woodsy, like pine needles after rain.
His heart thudded steadily beneath my cheek, a grounding rhythm that drowned out the phantom echoes of Steve’s laughter still ringing in my ears. Dax walked close beside us, his large, calloused hand wrapped around mine, his thumb brushing soothing circles on my skin.
“We’ve got you, baby girl,” Dax murmured softly, his voice the kind of steady that made me believe it even when my own mind wanted to fight.
