He moved faster than he'd expected. He pulled her back and planted her against a concrete wall, shielding her as dust and debris rained down. The beam hit the floor with a deafening crash less than an arm's length from where her head had been.
She pressed flat against the wall, her breath coming in shallow, fast gasps. Her heart was hammering in her throat.
"Are you okay?" Darien asked, voice low with concern.
Adeline nodded, too shaken to form words. She felt absurdly grateful and deeply aware of how close she had come to being crushed.
Darien's hand stayed at her back a moment longer than necessary, steadying her. She could feel the heat of his palm through her shirt while his face was so close, only staying a few inches away from hers.
With this proximity, she could clearly see the height difference and her stomach did the thing again.
"Yes. I'm fine."
Despite her response, Darien didn't let her go. One of his hands moved to her waist and her breath hitched instantly.
