Julian's POV
The haze of alcohol blurred the edges of my vision, but Avery's face remained startlingly clear, like a beacon in the storm raging inside me. Her soft green eyes reflected a concern that reached deeper than mere politeness.
She wasn't just doing her job. She cared. I'd seen the way she'd stayed by my side tonight, her quiet presence grounding me in a way I hadn't felt in years.
The weight of her hand earlier, light yet steady, lingered on my skin like a balm. That fleeting touch had soothed something raw in me, something I hadn't even realized was aching.
And as she turned to leave I couldn't stop myself from holding her wrist to stop her. She turned around to face me at once, the look in her eyes showed shock and confusion.
"Why did you stay? You didn't have
