Chapter 199. Restless

"That’s enough," he gruffly announced.

She halted, but her tears kept flowing. Overwhelmed, she began to cry hysterically, hiding her face behind her palms. Without hesitation, he pried her hands away from her face, gently clearing her tears with his thumbs, the pads of his fingers brushing against her wet cheeks. He brought her head closer, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. In that moment, her sobs began to quiet.

His tender actions baffled her, leaving her speechless. "Stop crying, senorita," he mumbled, tucking a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. He took her into a warm hug, her head resting against his broad, muscular chest. The comforting scent of him, the rhythm of his slow breaths, intoxicated her senses. He stroked her hair gently, and she felt her nerves begin to settle.

"Sleep," he whispered, his voice a soothing balm in the chaos of her emotions. She could hear the steady, rhythmic beat of his heart, a calming lullaby in the silence.