Page 47 of Fearless Bond

“I’m coming to get you.”

“No, Laure. You can’t. I want to be with him.”

“I need to check that beast out for myself. If I find a single red flag, I’m kidnapping you.”

“Laure!”

“Besides, your father is looking for you all over the mountains.”

Shit.

“Your Barclay had better have some backup because Damian is with him, and they’re determined to drag you back to the city.”

My stomach turned. “Do they know about me staying in Beauville?”

“Maybe. If not, it’s just a question of time before they find out.”

Suddenly, I got painfully reminded of my anxiety issues. I was about to fall apart.

“I’m coming, Calvin. I’ll be there tomorrow.”

“But Barclay…”

Laure had already hung up.

Breathe.

Crushing pressure constricted my chest. I stumbled, grabbing the railing on the porch. The trees blurred. Blood thundered in my ears.

I hated these attacks.Hatedthem. Oh God, what if it could hurt the baby?

“Barclay!”

My voice broke. His name came out as a mere whine.

I fell to my knees. I couldn’t inhale. I’d pass out.

Before Barclay found me, I’d pass out and drown in my own vomit. The baby needed me to keep it together, dammit! I was so weak. Such a failure. How could I be a father?

The next second, the door flew open, and I was scooped up in a warm embrace.

“Calvin, sweetheart. I’m here, it’s okay. I’m here.”

Finally, air. Suffused with Barclay’s scent. I breathed against his shirt, clutching the fabric in my fists.

He sat on the porch swing and rocked us, cradling me in his lap like a child. The panic stopped immediately, and as I inhaled and exhaled, counting my breaths, the physical symptoms disappeared after a mere minute.

I lifted my head.

“It’s like magic.”

Barclay cupped my cheek. “What, my love?”

“Your scent. I can’t panic when you’re with me.”

“Let’s go back inside before you get cold.”

He kissed the top of my head and carried me into the living room. I loved it when he carried me.

---