Kimi felt her heel catch on the edge of the marble step. Time slowed as her body tilted backward, her fingers desperately grasping for the cold metal railing. But her palm slipped against the polished surface, and gravity pulled her toward the unforgiving stairs below.
She braced for impact, squeezing her eyes shut as her heart hammered against her ribs.
Instead of pain, she felt powerful arms wrap around her waist, pulling her against a solid chest. Her fingers clutched frantically at expensive fabric, her body trembling from the near fall.
The scent that filled her lungs made her blood freeze. Masculine cologne mixed with something uniquely him, something that had once made her feel safe. Her eyes flew open, and she found herself staring up into familiar dark eyes.
