Page 98 of The Darkest Chase
“But they might—” I fight Micah weakly, but I’m about to hyperventilate. My limbs are noodles, and all I can do is sag against him with a miserable sound that feels like I just had my heart torn out. I drop my head on his shoulder, struggling to breathe. “If they hurt him and it’s my fault…”
“They won’t. I won’t fucking let them.”
I can feel his vow rumbling through me, the closeness of his body making his voice a physical force.
His hand curls against the back of my neck, gently roaming my hair.
His other hand slides down my back, and I tremble.
A nervous rush goes through me—until I realize he’s slipping his fingers into my pocket, delving in so close to my skin to find my inhaler.
A few seconds later, the cap pops off and he’s pressing it between my lips.
There’s something oddly intimate about letting him slide this slick plastic thing into my mouth.
“Breathe,” he growls. “Breathe until you’re okay.”
I’m so not okay.
But for him, I’ll try.
I close my eyes and let the mist open my lungs. I have to remember Micah Ainsley is as good as his word.
He’ll never let anything happen.
With him, I’m truly safe.
And I’ve never felt safer than now, wrapped in his arms.
Slowly, I steady my breaths and the terror in my chest eases.
That’s when I realize he’s holding me so close, resting his chin to the top of my head, fully enveloping me.
I can feel his heartbeat.
His chest under my palms, and a heartbeat so strong it makes me dizzy.
His scent screams cool, raw masculinity, just as sharp as Micah himself.
“Do you need more?” His voice is heavy.
“N-no.” I shake my head, keeping my eyes lowered. I don’t know if I can look up at him when we’re this freaking close. “I’m better. I just… I had a moment. Thanks for helping bring me out of it.”
“Wasn’t my smartest move when I don’t know your dosage, but I’m glad I didn’t guess wrong.” Instead of letting go, his grip tightens, gathering me closer. “Talia, fuck.”
The way he says my name.
My heart races even faster than his.
“Yes?” I curl my fingers against his shirt.
“You don’t have to keep eavesdropping on Xavier. Not for me, not for anyone. If you back out now, they’ll decide you aren’t a threat and they’ll leave you alone. You’re not bound to this shit. Fuck, I can’t stand putting you in danger. Just do your work. Keep as much distance as you can. Take care of your grandfather. That’s all that matters.”
“What?” I blink, pressing my palms to his chest and pushing back to look up at him. “You can’t be serious. What about your brother? What about the drugs, the people they’ve hurt?”
Micah’s eyes are impenetrable grey clouds as he looks down at me with his brows like thunderheads. “I’ll figure out another way that doesn’t involve you.”
Anger flares, quicker than an asthma attack.