Rosalyn, denied the support she had expected without even realizing she expected it, went sprawling onto the floor with a sharp, humiliating thud, landing awkwardly on her backside.
For one stunned second, she simply stared up at Theron, unable to believe what had just happened.
Earlier, he had moved with startling speed to stop her wrist and protect that girl. Earlier, he had reacted instantly, as though shielding Aveline had been the most natural thing in the world. And now, when she was the one visibly falling, he had not even bothered to offer his hand.
Something in Theron's expression shifted then, as though only belatedly realizing that perhaps his response had not been the most considerate.
"Need help?" he asked.
But he still did not hold out his hand. He did not step forward. He did not even bend slightly, not enough to make the offer feel real.
He simply stood there looking down at her, as if the question itself should have been enough.
Rosalyn's eye twitched.
