Shen Shuci was originally dodging to the side, but her forearm was grasped, and her whole body stumbled into his arms, falling solidly into his embrace. To stabilize herself, she instinctively reached out and clutched the clothes at his waist.
She distinctly felt the man's body stiffen.
Before she could recover, an unmistakable man's hand appeared around her waist, and with a twirl, their positions were suddenly reversed.
Only to hear a collision sound, followed by the thud of a heavy object hitting the ground.
Shen Shuci's breath deepened. He...
Used his own body to shield her?
His arms, broad and forceful, pressed her tightly against him, with a strength that almost seemed to meld her into his body. She was flush against his chest, and besides the sound of objects falling, all she could hear was his steady, strong heartbeat.
Warm and dry.
The hand at his lower back was scorching, searing as if to brand her skin.
