Chapter 3 Caught in His Arms

• Aurelia stood frozen and went blank as the fast car whizzed past her, its blur nearly knocking her off her feet. She thought it would vanish into the night, but it abruptly reversed course and screeched to a stop before her.
• The car door opened, revealing a pair of shiny black shoes and long legs stepping out. A black umbrella popped open, shielding her from the downpour.
• It was Faelan Thorne. His composed voice cut through the rain, asking, "Are you okay?"
• Aurelia glanced up at him— a man with sharp features and mysterious black eyes that seemed strangely familiar yet distant. She thought, They are familiar, but I can't quite place it.
• Shaking her head, she murmured weakly, "I'm... I'm fine, thanks." Her voice was barely above the rain.
• Aurelia tried to stand, but her legs buckled under the weight of cuts and bruises, forcing her to slump back down. Next, Faelan's powerful arm encircled her waist and drew her into his protective embrace.
• She slammed into Faelan's chest, engulfed by his chilly and masculine scent. Acting on instinct, she pushed against his firm torso. Her palms tingled with fear and adrenaline as she felt the solid muscles beneath his clothes. Aurelia instinctively struggled against his grip, but Faelan lifted her and ignored her resistance.
• At that instant, Aurelia scowled. Her gaze sharpened as she demanded, "What are you doing? Put me down!"
• Despite three years with Caspian, their relationship hadn't progressed beyond holding hands. A stranger's unexpected actions left her feeling uneasy.
• Faelan met Aurelia's gaze calmly and replied, "You're hurt. You need medical help."
• "I... I can manage on my own," Aurelia insisted, feeling uncomfortable with his closeness and composed demeanor.
• "Stay put," Faelan commanded firmly, silencing any further protests from Aurelia.
• A gust of chilly wind swept across her face as Aurelia settled into the car, triggering a series of sneezes. Without hesitation, Faelan draped his coat around her shoulders. "Watch out for catching a cold," he cautioned.
• "Thanks," Aurelia replied gratefully, feeling a mix of warmth and vulnerability from Faelan's coat that surprised her.
• Faelan noticed the blush on her cheeks and smiled faintly. "I should be thanking you," he replied.
• "Huh?" Aurelia was puzzled by his remark.
• Faelan met her gaze steadily and clarified, "I appreciate you accepting my apology and allowing me to make things right."
• They swiftly reached the nearest hospital. Aurelia insisted on walking alone, and Faelan patiently supported her as they made their way to the emergency room.
• After leaving the emergency room, Aurelia saw Faelan finishing a call. When he noticed her, he approached and handed her his name card. "Call me if you have any requests," he offered.
• "I'm good, thanks," Aurelia politely declined. Once everything was settled, she didn't want to prolong the situation any further.
• Handing back his coat, she stated, "Here's your coat. I'll take care of the dry cleaning."
• Faelan accepted the coat with a gentle smile and remarked casually, "You probably need it more than I do now."
• Aurelia felt a slight pang of emotion at his simple kindness, especially after the day's events. She mused, I must be feeling pretty raw today. Otherwise, why would I find comfort in a stranger's random act of kindness?
• "Thanks. I'm good to go," Aurelia replied, politely refusing any further assistance. In her thoughts, she resolved, I need to get back to the Draegen Residence to settle something important.
• As Aurelia walked away, Faelan watched her go with a trace of sorrow in his eyes. "We'll meet again," he murmured quietly.