Time passed in strained silence, the only sound between them the quiet thrum of Penny's heart pounding in her ears.
And then, in a breathless whisper, her voice cracked under the pressure building in her chest.
"B-Beta Darius… y-you're holding me… a little too tight."
Darius froze.
Only then did he realize how tightly he'd been gripping her. His arms had locked around her as if letting go would cause him to unravel. As if she were the only thing tethering him to something human.
"I—I'm sorry," he stammered, quickly stepping back. "I didn't mean to… strangle you."
The words were awkward and uncertain, so unlike the Beta she knew, composed, sharp and always in control. Penny nearly stumbled as he released her, her legs trembling as her lungs filled with shaky breaths.
She offered a soft, breathy laugh, brushing down her skirt with trembling fingers. "It's okay. You didn't really startle me... not exactly."
