Chapter 45

• ISABELLA'S POV ~
• I tremble as I cling to Ryan, my heart racing and my mind reeling. I can still feel the lingering touch of Alex, the memory of his leering gaze and the threat of violence still fresh in my mind. But Ryan's presence is a balm to my battered soul.
• He holds me like I'm a fragile piece of glass, his arms cradling me as if I'm the most precious thing in the world. He holds me so close that I can feel his heartbeat against my chest, a steady rhythm that calms me and reminds me that I'm safe.