A knock rattled her door at 2:14 a.m..
Lucas stood there, eyes red, breathing unevenly. "Shes in the hospital. I didn't know where else to go."
Without hesitation Emma pulled him into her arms.
He folded into her, shaking. "Im scared. I'm so damn scared."
Emma held him tighter. "You don't have to be. I'm here."
He pulled back slightly, gripping her shoulders. "Youre the person I feel safe with.l i keep pushing you away because you matter too much."
Emma cupped his face. "Then stop pushing."
He kissed her.
Slow, desperate, trembling.
A kiss that tasted like fear and hope tangled together.