Rachel was ready to collapse. The ache in her legs, the pain in her lungs almost unbearable. She struggled up the steepening incline of the heath, aware of the enraged creature closing in behind her.
A flash of Aubrey, on the periphery of her vision. Running, legs and arms pumping, and then he was at her side. In a single fluid motion, he lifted her up into his arms and cradled her tight to his chest without slowing. She curled up, feeling irrationally secure against his solidity. His T-shirt was soaked with perspiration, his body flushed and hot, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he gulped for air. His heartbeat was strong against hers. Just as urgent. Perhaps as terrified. But still reassuring.
They made it to the top of the hill, and the wide expanse of London City opened up in
