#Chapter 60: Cherry Blossoms

Ella It happened again. I was walking toward Alexander when my knees suddenly buckled beneath me for a second time. This time, I had nothing to catch myself on, and I felt myself pitching forward toward the marble floor. But strong arms caught me before I could hit the ground. Alexander’s hands moved across my waist, gently tugging me up and into his embrace. “Are you alright?” I blinked, trying to clear the dark spots that had appeared in my vision. When my sight returned, I saw green eyes staring down at me with concern, and then it hit me—I was pressed firmly against Alexander’s sturdy chest, palms splayed across the firm muscles, the scent of bourbon and woodfire smoke so strong it blotted out all else. My heart pounded. Stupid, traitorous little thing. “I—I, um… I’m not feeling so well…” I started to respond, but then, over Alexander’s shoulder, I saw Gabriel watching from across the room. His mouth was set in that familiar disapproving