CLAIRE

Julian didn't say anything right away. He just looked at me, his gray eyes darker than I'd ever seen them, then he stepped closer.

"Come here," he said quietly.

I shook my head, trying to hold myself together. "I'm fine, I just need..."

"Claire," he interrupted, his voice firmer now. "Come here."

My resolve crumbled. I took a shaky step forward and Julian pulled me against him, his arms wrapping around me tightly, the moment I felt his warmth, something inside me broke completely.m, a sob tore out of my chest before I could stop it.

"I've got you," Julian murmured against my hair. "I've got you."

I pressed...