Ana's POV
The ice in his dark stare made my skin crawl. I stepped back instinctively, putting distance between us.
"Whether I behave or not," I said, keeping my voice even and detached, "isn't your problem anymore."
Before I could blink, Morris moved closer, his arm sliding around my waist—gentle, protective.
The crushing weight I'd felt watching Ridley with Aileen, that burning humiliation—it all faded the second I felt his steady warmth against me.
Something soft and warm bloomed in my chest, so unexpected I nearly broke down right there.
Is this what it feels like? Having someone in your corner?
All these years on this earth, and my heart had never felt this secure.
I glanced up, catching Morris's gaze for just a moment. Those fox-like eyes, deep stormy blue, dangerous enough to drown in.
My pulse stuttered, barely a whisper of movement.
Ridley's expression hardened, his stare turning arctic. The chill rolled off him in waves.
