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~Alex's POV
She was still shaking in my arms, her breath uneven against my chest. I ran a hand through her hair, my grip tightening as I held her closer.
"Hey, look at me." I tilted her chin up. Her eyes were glossy, her face streaked with tears. My jaw clenched.
"Alex…" Her voice was barely a whisper, but there was something in it, something desperate.
"I'm here," I murmured. "I got you, Bella. You're safe."
She blinked, her gaze searching mine. "You…" Her breath hitched, her fingers curling into my shirt. "You came back."
"Of course I did."
Her lower lip trembled, her hands fisting my shirt tighter, like she was scared I'd disappear. "I thought…I thought…"
I leaned in, pressing my forehead against hers. "I'm not going anywhere."
Silence. Heavy. Charged.
Then her fingers slid up, hesitantly tracing my jaw. My eyes darkened, my breath slowing as I watched her.
Her lips parted slightly, her gaze flickering down to my mouth.
"Bella…" My voice was rough, a warning.
