I don’t even notice that I’ve bumped into someone until large, steady hands grasp my arms. I look up through blurry eyes and see Alec, his face tightening as he studies me.
“Sadie?” His voice is calm, but his eyes flash with concern. “What’s wrong?”
I try to shake my head, but the tears spill anyway. Alec doesn’t hesitate. He pulls me into his chest and murmurs low, “Come with me.”
Before I can protest, he guides me down the hall and into his room. He closes the door behind us and steers me gently toward the sofa, keeping one arm around me as though he knows I might crumble without it.
“Sit,” he says softly, his thumb brushing over my arm.
I sink onto the couch, my hands trembling in my lap. Alec crouches in front of me, his eyes locking on mine. “Tell me what happened.”
For a moment
