Killian didn't speak for a long moment.
Like an ocean that appeared calm on the surface but hid countless secrets underneath, his red eyes were deep, holding so many complex emotions that they were impossible to decipher.
"Killian?"
Severine felt the young man finally stir.
The next second, she was yanked into his arms, his head buried in her neck.
She could feel his hot breath fanning over her skin. A tingling sensation shot straight to her head. Strangely, she didn't dislike it.
When she hugged him back, the muscles beneath her palm were taut.
"You are so stupid," he murmured against her skin. "So, so stupid."
Only then did Severine realize that Killian was actually shaking.
"Why are you...? Are you alright?"
"Of course not," he hissed, anger simmering in his veins.
"I'm trying very hard not to punch someone."
Despite the suffocating embrace, despite reliving those memories, a soft laugh bubbled up inside her.
She let out a small giggle.
