Chapter 226

Anna's first thought was: I'm finally safe. Her second thought? Crap, I'm in for it now. She still remembered that last beating back in the small town—just thinking about it made her backside ache a little. She was just about to subtly shield her behind when Julian suddenly swept her up into a firm bear hug. The scent of his cologne filled her nose in an instant. His strong arms were wrapped tightly around her waist—it was like being crushed into his body. Her head rested against his chest, and honestly, for a second there, she thought she might just melt into him completely. The room went dead silent. Julian's head rested on her shoulder, hiding his expression from her. All Anna could feel was his hot breath brushing over her skin—it tickled, made her shiver a bit, but oddly, it wasn't unpleasant. Having just brushed past death, Anna was still rattled deep down. But what shook her more was noticing the man holding her—his body was trembling faintly, and his heartbeat? Racing way faste