Ashley POV

The sudden fervor in Jared's demeanor sent a chill down my spine. But strangely, it wasn't out of fear. Though he was wounded, he still radiated an unshakable aura of toughness, something that made me unwittingly want to lean on him. Maybe it was because over the past week I'd grown too accustomed to relying on him at work. Or maybe it was because he possessed a calmness I lacked— a calmness I secretly needed so much.

I get upset easily. Too easily, even. And often I vent my frustration through reckless actions that end up hurting me. Jared is different. He always seems like he can control...