Page 115 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

I nodded, trying to focus on their reassurances rather than the terrifying images still flashing through my mind—the intruder lunging from the shadows, the sound of gunshots, Gabriel's face streaked with blood. My hands wouldn't stop trembling, and I clasped them tightly in my lap, trying to regain some semblance of control.

"You need to rest," Lucas said, his voice gentler than I'd ever heard it. "You're exhausted, and your body's still processing the shock."

"I don't think I can sleep," I admitted, the thought of closing my eyes making anxiety spike through me again. "Every time I try to relax, I just see them breaking in, and the gunshots, and—" My voice cracked as fresh panic welled up. "What if they'd hurt one of you? What if—"

"But they didn't," Lucas interrupted gently, his hand finding mine. "We're trained for this, flower girl. All of us."

Theo shifted closer, his analytical mind clearly working through the best approach to help me. "Your anxiety is manifesting as catastrophic thinking—focusing on worst-case scenarios that didn't actually occur. It's a common trauma response."

I gave a weak laugh that sounded more like a sob. "Is that your clinical way of telling me to stop worrying?"

"No," Theo replied, his voice softening. "It's my way of helping you understand that your reactions are normal. Valid." His hand squeezed mine gently. "But not helpful to your recovery right now."

Lucas nodded, his usual playfulness replaced by gentle concern. "He's right. You're safe now, and that's what matters." His arm tightened around my shoulders. "Let me and Theo take care of you tonight, okay? You don't have to be strong right now."

Something about his words—the permission to not be okay—broke the last of my resistance. Tears welled up and spilled over before I could stop them, my body shaking with silent sobs. Lucas pulled me closer, his chest warm against my cheek as he murmured soft, soothing words into my hair. Theo's hand remained steady in mine, his thumb continuing those precise, gentle circles against my palm.

"That's it," Lucas whispered, his voice a comforting rumble against my ear. "Let it out."

I cried until I felt hollow, emptied of the fear and tension that had been building since the alarm first sounded. Lucas held me through it all, his steady warmth an anchor as Theo's analytical presence remained a calm counterpoint to my storm of emotions. When the tears finally subsided, leaving me exhausted and drained, I sat up slightly, wiping my face with trembling hands.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, embarrassed by my breakdown.

"Don't apologize," Lucas said firmly, brushing a strand of hair from my damp cheek. "You've been through hell tonight. Anyone would react the same way."

Theo nodded in agreement. "The physiological and emotional response to trauma is universal. Your reaction is entirely appropriate given the circumstances."

I managed a watery smile at his clinical assessment. "Thank you. Both of you." My voice sounded raw, even to my own ears. "For getting me out. For... everything."

Lucas pressed a gentle kiss to my temple. "You never have to thank us for protecting you," he murmured against my skin. "Never."

"Would you like to clean up?" Theo asked, his analytical mind shifting to practical concerns now that my emotional storm had passed. "A shower might help regulate your nervous system. Warm water activates parasympathetic responses."

I nodded, suddenly aware of how grimy I felt—sweat-dried and tear-stained. "That sounds good."

"I'll show you," Lucas said, helping me to my feet. My legs felt steadier now, though exhaustion weighed heavy on my limbs. He guided me through the modest house to a bathroom that, like everything else in Theo's space, was meticulously organized. Fluffy towels, toiletries arranged by function and frequency of use.

"There are clothes in the bedroom across the hall," Lucas explained, opening a drawer to show me neatly folded t-shirts and sweatpants. "They might be big on you, but they're clean and comfortable."

I nodded gratefully, suddenly too exhausted for words. Lucas hesitated, studying my face with unusual seriousness.

"Will you be okay alone?" he asked gently. "I can stay if you need me to."

I shook my head, summoning a weak smile. "I'll be fine. I think I need a few minutes to myself."

Lucas nodded, understanding in his eyes. "We'll be right outside if you need anything. Take your time." With a final squeeze of my hand, he left, closing the door softly behind him. Alone for the first time since the attack, I leaned heavily against the counter letting everything that happened soak in…and hope that the night was less eventful from here on out.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Theo POV

“Howisshe?”Iasked as Lucas came out, my eyes glued on the computer before me.

“She is asleep. She cleaned up and now asleep, though it took a little bit.” Lucas muttered as he came and sat down on the couch next to me. I nodded, focusing on the data streaming across my screen. The attack had been precisely coordinated—too precise for comfort. I'd been analyzing the security breach since we arrived at the safe house, my mind cataloging patterns and anomalies with methodical efficiency despite the adrenaline still coursing through my system.

"Any word from Gabriel or Dakota?" Lucas asked, running a hand through his disheveled hair. The usual playfulness was absent from his voice, replaced by a tightly controlled tension I rarely heard from him.

"Gabriel texted fourteen minutes ago," I replied, adjusting my glasses. "They've secured both intruders. Professional mercenaries, based on their equipment and tactics. Neither is talking yet."

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