His gaze lowered toward her hand resting on the blanket, and after a moment he reached for it, carefully wrapping his fingers around hers.
Her hand felt warm now, much warmer than it had been earlier on, and that small reassurance eased something inside him.
He remembered what Elias had told him before leaving the room. She would need him. Not the man who stood frozen beside every monitor, watching every change with fear, but the man who could make her feel safe when she was frightened herself.
Santiago had always believed that protection meant eliminating threats before they reached the people under his care, but tonight had forced him to understand that there were things he could not control.
He could not control Daniella's body, the pregnancy, or every complication that might arise during the remaining months. What he could control was what happened when she opened her eyes. He could be there. He could listen. He could make sure she did not face the fear alone.
