CIAN
I stood behind Fia. My eyes traced the line of her spine through the ruined dress. Blood had dried in dark streaks across the fabric. Across her skin beneath.
My fingers reached for the zipper.
She went rigid.
Every muscle in her body locked up like I had touched her with a live wire. I could see the tension in her shoulders. Could see the way she held herself too still.
"Relax," I said.
The word came out quieter than I intended.
She tried. I watched her shoulders shift slightly. But the tension remained. She could not shake it off.
I pulled the zipper down slowly. The teeth separated one by one. The fabric parted to reveal pale skin marked with bruises and dried blood. My knuckles brushed against her spine.
Her skin was soft.
Too soft.
A shiver ran through her. I felt it under my fingertips. Felt the way her body reacted to the simple touch.
I dropped my hand and stepped back.
Put distance between us before I did something stupid.
"There," I said.
