Dangerous connection (Freenbecky)

Chapter 07

As the night wore on, the storm outside intensified. The rain lashed against the windows of Freen's mansion with a ferocity that mirrored the chaos they had just escaped. Freen lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind unable to quiet. Each crack of thunder seemed to echo in his chest, stirring something deep within—something dark and painful. His past.

He clenched his jaw, trying to will the memories away, but the panic crept in, unwelcome and relentless. His breathing quickened, heart racing. His vision blurred as old, buried images flooded back. The rain. The shouts. The helplessness. Freen sat up, gasping, trying to force air into his lungs, but it felt like the walls were closing in.

Dr. Ling, staying in the guest room down the hall, had just begun to doze off when she heard the faint, unmistakable sound of distress. Without hesitation, she rushed out of bed, quickly throwing on a robe, and hurried to Freen's room. She found him sitting on the edge of his bed, hands gripping his hair, his whole body trembling as he fought for control.

"Freen!" Ling exclaimed, rushing to his side. She knelt beside him, her voice soft but urgent. "Breathe, Freen. Look at me."

Freen's eyes darted to her, wild with panic, but her presence was grounding. Ling placed a hand gently on his shoulder, trying to guide his breathing. "In and out, okay? Just focus on me."

Just as Freen was beginning to respond, the door creaked open again. Becky stood there, her face tight with concern. Her eyes flicked between Freen and Ling, immediately picking up on the closeness of the situation.

"What's going on?" Becky asked, her voice tinged with tension.

Ling barely glanced at her. "Freen's having a panic attack. I'm trying to help him calm down."

Becky hesitated for a moment, but seeing the way Freen's panic was overwhelming him, she quickly moved to his other side. "Freen," she whispered, her voice softer now. She crouched down, her hand brushing his arm. "Hey, I'm here."

Freen's head snapped toward her voice, his breathing still ragged. "Bec... Bec?"

Becky's heart clenched at the sound of his voice, so raw and vulnerable. She knelt in front of him, gently taking his hands in hers, grounding him with her touch. "Yeah, it's me. I'm right here."

Without warning, Freen surged forward, his body trembling as he wrapped his arms around Becky, burying his face against her chest. Becky stiffened in surprise, her cheeks flushing a deep red, but she quickly wrapped her arms around him in return, holding him close. Freen's ragged breaths hitched as he clung to her, seeking comfort in the only place he felt safe.

"Bunny," Becky whispered, a nickname she'd teasingly given him before, her voice barely above a breath. "It's okay. You're safe now."

"BecBec," Freen mumbled into her chest, his voice thick with emotion. "Don't leave me... please don't leave."

Becky's heart soared at his words, a mixture of pride and tenderness flooding her. Here he was, this cold, seemingly heartless man, broken and vulnerable in her arms. And she was the one who could calm him, who could reach him when no one else could. She held him tighter, her fingers gently stroking his hair. "I'm not going anywhere, Freen. I promise."

Ling watched the scene unfold, her expression softening. She could see now that Becky was the one who truly had Freen's heart, even if he didn't fully realize it yet. With a quiet sigh, she rose to her feet and stepped back, giving them space. Ling knew when to step aside, and this moment wasn't hers to intrude upon.

"I'll leave you two alone," Ling said quietly, her eyes meeting Becky's for just a moment before she turned and left the room.

Becky barely registered Ling's departure, her attention entirely focused on Freen, who was still nestled against her, his breathing beginning to steady. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she rested her chin on top of his head, feeling a strange sense of victory.