Damien froze for a moment, surprised by Raine's sudden reaction.
He instinctively reached out, steadying her by wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Her body felt stiff beneath his touch.
"Rocky, sit!" he commanded, his tone firm.
The Doberman, which had been leaping toward Damien with its paws outstretched, wagged its tail before letting out a low whine. Reluctantly, it sank into a sitting position nearby, still eyeing Raine with curious intensity.
"How long are you planning to stay in my arms?" Damien asked, an eyebrow quirking upward in amusement.
Raine snapped out of her panic at the sound of his voice.
Realizing she was clinging to his waist, she quickly straightened herself and stepped back, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
She smoothed her hair and cleared her throat,
