Emerson’s bottom lip quivers as more tears cover her cheeks. “But… but… you yelled.” Another sob breaks free, her breaths coming in hard and fast. Fuck. She’s going to start hyperventilating if she doesn’t settle soon. The tough exterior I’ve come to admire about her is gone, and all that’s left is the vulnerable woman I long to protect from the world, shield from anything that could hurt her.
