A sharp knock at my door made me hastily wipe away my tears. I didn't need to ask who it was – his scent had already filled the room, winter pine and mountain air wrapping around me like an invisible embrace I couldn't escape. I felt the tug of the bond, a slight relief that came with him being closer and then the sobering reminder that I was a fivking mess at that moment and I couldn't summon my game face as much as I would have wished to.
"Come in," I called out, my voice rougher than I'd intended. I stood quickly, not wanting him to find me looking vulnerable. I smoothed over my wild red curls, though I knew it would do nothing to tame them. I righted my shirt and hoped to the goddess that my face didn't look like s**t.
Ragnar entered with his usual commanding presence, filling the
