Lucian's POV
I wrapped my arms even tighter around Alina's waist, burying my face into the crook of her neck as we lay entangled on the mattress. I held her like she was a phantom who might vanish into the air if I let go for even a single second.
"Lucian..." her soft voice muffled against my chest, a breathless chuckle catching in her throat. "If you continue to hug me this way, I might actually suffocate to death."
Hearing her speak, I loosened my grip just a fraction, pulling back enough to look down at her flawless face. I leaned down and pressed a long, desperate kiss against her forehead.
"I was so scared, Alina," I admitted, my voice trembling with a raw, suffocating fear that I couldn't shake. "Your screams... they completely terrified me. I swear to you, I don't know if I would have ever been able to forgive myself if anything had happened to you."
