Elena’s POV

The night air hit my face the moment the restaurant doors closed behind us.

Mr. Nik carried me as if I weighed nothing, his steps measured and unhurried, the solid heat of his chest steady against my side. I could still feel the residual throb in my shoulder where it had met the floor, but the sharper edge of the pain had dulled beneath the sheer shock of being held like this. My good hand remained curled into the fabric of his shirt. I told myself it was only for balance.

He did not set me down until we reached the waiting car.

The driver was already there,...