GWEN
True to Malcolm's words, his men arrive in mere hours. Greta goes with them after bundling me into a long hug. Rylan's departure is much more difficult. He does something he hasn't done in a while. He cries. And it nearly breaks me.
I make him promise he'll be strong for me. He does, and soon after he's put in the car. I watch as it drives away, never daring to tear my eyes away from it until it turns a corner, disappearing from view. Even then I still stand rooted to the spot, staring into the darkening atmosphere.
Malcolm comes to stand behind me. "You should come inside." His voice is a low rumble that sends a shiver down my spine despite myself.
I turn around and peer up at his face. A stubble has grown across his jaw, the hollows underneath his eyes prominent. Something's bothering him. There's a slight frown between his brows and I feel the urge to smooth it with my fingers.
I step back. Then wish I didn't.
A yelp escapes me and my arms shoot out, flailing as I fall backwards. Malcolm's eyes flash before he snags me off the edge of the stairs instantly, drawing me to his body.
His heat consumes me and, pressed up against him, I'm instantly aware of every strong bulge of muscle lining his body. My throat dries for an instant.