im before he

g the frantic, hummingbird beat of the man's heart through the expensive fabric of hi

nch. He didn't let go, keeping his large hands firmly on Eli

rting around the small room. "To

rhythmic register he used to use for wounded soldiers in the fiel

im. The tremors subsided, replaced by a heavy, exhausted slump. Eli

illion dollars-it all screamed at him to maintain the distance. But Elias

protectiveness blooming in his chest. It wasn't the duty of a

x of shame and lingering adrenaline. He smoothed his hair, his col

oice barely audible. "Don't

alking, remember?" Jax said, s

nd steady. He didn't take it. He stood up o

Elias said. "The

ut as he watched Elias's retreating back, the dynamic had shifted. The man w