Katelyn didn’t resist. Instead, she let herself sink into his warmth, the tension in her body easing just a little. For the first time since the chaos had unfolded, she felt a sliver of relief. The frantic, heart-stopping moments she had endured finally seemed to fade.

She lifted her gaze to Vincent’s face, her voice soft. “Were you scared today?”

She hadn’t seen his distress firsthand, but she could guess. She had wanted to tell him everything sooner, but the situation had spiraled too fast, leaving her no choice but to act.

Vincent knew she was worried about him. A resigned sigh left his lips. She was the one who had nearly died, yet here she was, concerned for him.

Lowering his head, he pressed his forehead gently against hers, his voice steady, reassuring. “Don’t worry. As long as you’re okay.” But as he said the words, his mind drifted back to the moment he had searched for her in the ruins—his heart pounding, dread coiling like a vice around his chest. He had never felt fear like that before. The thought of losing her was unbearable. He would never allow harm to come her way.

Katelyn reached up to touch his face—but the moment her fingers met his skin, she realized her hand was covered in dirt. A streak of dust smudged his cheek…

Marring the sharp, defined lines of his handsome face, a streak of dirt remained. Katelyn blinked. Then, despite herself, she burst out laughing.

Vincent arched an eyebrow, catching her mischievous hand before she could do any more damage. “Did you do that on purpose?” He didn’t need a mirror to know what had happened—her laughter was enough of a giveaway.

Katelyn curled her lip and shook her head, a playful glint in her eyes. “I did.”

Vincent let out a low chuckle before giving her a light swat on the backside. “You’ve learned to be naughty.”

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Her cheeks burned instantly. The playful gesture caught her off guard, and the embarrassment hit fast. She shot him a glare, her lips pressing into a pout. “No.”

In the midst of their playful banter, they had already made it to the bathroom.

Vincent carefully set her down, his touch firm yet gentle.

Inside the bathroom, Katelyn switched on the shower.

Vincent gave a brief instruction. “Go ahead and shower first.” Then, without another word, he stepped out of the room.

She felt a silent pang in her chest as she watched him disappear down the corridor.

Katelyn quickly showered, got dressed, and stepped out, only to find that Vincent had already washed up. Now, he was seated in the study, immersed in his work.

From the doorway, she caught sight of his swollen eyes. The exhaustion in them spoke volumes about the weight he had been carrying.

After a quick peek, she turned and made her way to the bedroom, where she scanned a drawer for a first-aid kit. Carrying the kit, Katelyn approached Vincent, who immediately noticed her.

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