Summer could see the worry all over Alexander’s face. She opened her mouth, the pain in her throat sharp, but she still managed to squeeze out three shaky words. “I’m… fine…” Only then did she notice how swollen his eyes were. Alexander rarely looked like this—completely disheveled. But every time he did, it was because of her. And the more she tried to speak, the more she realized how unbearably hoarse and dry her voice had become. “Yeah… that’s all that matters,” Alexander said, his own voice just as strained. “Alex, I’m really okay… I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to worry you.” If only she hadn’t rushed out on her own, if only she hadn’t bumped into James Carter, hadn’t ended up being kidn*pped… none of this would’ve happened. He wouldn't have had to go through that fea

