I open my eyes just as another large gust of wind catches me off guard— And then I slip. The dirt beneath my feet crumbles faster than I can react, my balance vanishing as gravity yanks me forward. I scream, but the fall never comes— Because Maddox grabs me. His hands lock around my waist, yanking me back against his chest with a sharp, commanding strength. My pulse slams against my ribs. My whole body trembles. I suck in an uneven breath, my chest heaving as I cling to his forearms. For a second, neither of us move. Then Maddox exhales, a slow, measured breath against my neck. “You really
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