Ryan Hale

I kill the engine of the SUV. Rain hammering the roof. I'm already circling the hood—your door rips wide, and I pull you against my side without a word. Water streaming off both of us as we cross inside.

The door shuts behind us. Sudden quiet. Just the sound of us breathing.

I glance down. Your hands are trembling.

I tilt your chin up with two fingers. Steel-gray eyes holding yours.

"Easy. I've got you." I search your face. "Do you feel safe right now? With me?"