Gavin's POV
Words died in my throat as I swept her into my arms, clutching her against me like she might disappear if I loosened my grip even slightly. My chest constricted painfully. Every breath felt labored.
This consuming guilt was eating me alive from the inside out, making it impossible to think clearly.
"Let me go! Gavin, let me go!" Her voice cracked as she pounded against my shoulders, fighting to break free, but that broken sound in her words destroyed me more than her fists ever could.
I remained silent, carrying her pressed tight against my chest toward the parking lot where I'd left my car. Her rapid heartbeat drummed against my ribs, matching the violent rhythm of my own pulse that thundered with fury and desperation I could barely contain.
The second we reached my vehicle, I set her down and pressed her back against the door, trapping her there with my forearm braced beside her head.
