3
Skull expelled a breath and let go of my hair. I opened my eyes to see him crumple to the ground at my feet. Behind him stood Blake.
I almost threw my arms around him in relief. I'm not sure what held me back. Maybe the fierce glare in his eyes as he looked down at Skull. I began to shake and, to my horror, cry. I buried my face in my hands and suddenly Blake's arms were around me, holding me against his chest. He stroked my back, my neck, and kissed the top of my head. His heat soaked through my clothes, calming me, and I stopped shaking.
"You okay?" he whispered into my hair.
I nodded.
He gently cupped my face and stroked his thumbs across my cheeks, wiping away my tears. His hooded gaze searched my eyes and for one heart-stopping moment I thought he would kiss me.
Skull groaned
