Inside the car, Lavinia had no idea what was happening outside. All she felt was a strong, warm arm pulling her into an embrace.
Before she could even process what was going on, James had already wrapped his arm firmly around her shoulder, shielding her under the umbrella.
For a moment, his warmth seeped through the fabric of her clothes, mingled with the faint scent of his cologne. It felt like an invisible barrier, tightly enclosing her in a cocoon of protection.
She instinctively looked up, her teary eyes still wet with unshed tears.
James caught sight of her disheveled appearance, then shifted his gaze to Lucas, who stood nearby looking utterly defeated. A flicker of cold fury flashed across James' eyes.
Without another glance at Lucas, he shielded Lavinia and strode into
