Damon's arms tightened around me, holding me so close that I could hear his heart pounding wildly against his chest. It was fast and uneven, nothing like the steady rhythm that usually calmed me. His breath was shaky against my hair, and for the first time since I had known him, he felt fragile in my arms.
I stood there stiffly for a moment, my thoughts scattered and my chest aching with guilt. I slowly lifted my hands and wrapped them around his back, clutching onto him as if he were the only thing keeping me upright. The warmth of his body seeped into mine, comforting me even as my emotions threatened to spiral again.
"I'm not mad," he finally said, his voice muffled against my shoulder. "I'm scared."
Those two words hit harder than any accusation ever could.
My throat tightened painfully, and I buried my face deeper into his chest. "I was scared too," I admitted softly. "I still am."
