Xavier POV
Opening the car’s door, I paused, waiting for Ashlyn to step out. Her movements were slow, hesitant, as if every step she took an immense effort. The faint glow from the porch light illuminated her pale face. My chest tightened seeing her like this, so fragile and shaken.
As soon as she was outside, I scooped her into my arms, cradling her against me. She didn’t resist—she only clung to me tighter, her hands gripping the fabric of my shirt, trembling slightly. Her head rested on my chest, and I could feel her uneven breaths, each one laced with the remnants of fear.
Placing her gently on the couch, I fetched a blanket for her. Wrapping her around it, I sat on the table before her.
“Why would you even do that?”
Pulling her legs up on the couch, she rested her head on her kn
