Lach's eyes found hers, wide and startled, as she threw herself into his arm. He caught her with ease, his arms encircling her waist. He was careful where his hands went, plastering them on the in the middle of the back, one above the other. When he breathed out, it came out shaky and uneven. He'd never had a problem with physical contact, but he couldn't remember her ever initiating it between them.

"If you ever need anything, you where to find me," he murmured, his lips hovering just above her ear. He didn't think Juliana would intentionally put herself in a situation where she could be in danger or hurt, but still. If her to-be husband did turn out to be a total arse, he needed her to know he was here.

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