The living room was silent except for the low noise of the television, the blue light from the screen flickering across Janeth's face as she stood with her palms pressed flat against Alex's chest.
She realized how close she was standing, her breath hitching as she tried to step back. "I should... let me check your back, you might have bruises."
Alex caught her wrists gently, not pulling her closer but not letting her go either. "You don't have to pretend with me."
Janeth went still, her amber eyes darting up to his face. "I'm not pretending."
"You've been panicking since I walked in, just relax."
Janeth swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to his chest as her fingers grabbed nervously his shirt. "I was worried about you..." she whispered.
"I'm fine."
"I know," she said softly, lowering her gaze. "You're letting me stay in your home, you're protecting me, and I wouldn't be alive without you right now."
"You don't owe me anything for that."
