I'll Be Your Man

30. Safe. Loved. Claimed

2nd update in a week!

I am coming back to writing track now💘

Do vote and comment on this chapter too!

《♡♥︎♡♥︎♡》

In the quiet moments, love finds its loudest voice, weaving strength, trust, and unshakable connection.

《♡♥︎♡》

Karan's Pov:

I stir in my sleep, feeling the familiar warmth beside me, but as soon as I open my eyes, my heart drops. Preeta—shivering violently. Her frame quakes under the dim light of the room, her lips trembling, and her hands clutching the quilt as though it could save her.

"Oh, shit!" I panic, bolting upright. My hands instinctively reach for her, pulling her gently to face me.

"Preeta," I whisper, my voice strained with worry. Her wide, tear-filled eyes meet mine, but they're filled with terror. She's frozen, caught in the throes of her panic, and it kills me to see her like this.

"Babydoll, calm down. Shhh... take deep breaths with me. Look at me," I plead, keeping my voice soft but firm. Her gasps are uneven, her tears spilling freely. I cup her face, wiping her tears with my thumbs as I guide her. "Breathe in with me. That's it. One more. Yeah, good. Keep breathing, just like that."

She starts mimicking my breaths, her sobs quieting little by little. "Stop crying; I'm here with you. I'm right here," I murmur.

She shakes her head, unable to speak, her body trembling against my hold. My chest aches at the sight of her so fragile, so vulnerable.

"Preeta, stay with me. Answer me, okay, Babydoll?" I ask softly. Her eyes finally meet mine again, and she nods hesitantly.

"Tell me five things you can see," I begin, keeping my tone calm.

She struggles but manages to speak. "Nightstand, our photo frame, quilt, pillow... and you."

"Good girl. That's perfect," I praise her, brushing back a strand of hair sticking to her damp cheek. "Now, four things you can feel."

She swallows hard, her voice barely a whisper. "Quilt... air... my tears... and your touch."

"That's right. Keep going. Three things you can hear."

"Clock ticking... breeze... and your voice," she says, her lips twitching in a faint, shaky smile.

I can't help but chuckle softly. Even now, she finds a way to mention me. "Two things you can smell?"

"Your cologne... and air freshener."

"And one thing you can taste?"

"My tears," she says with a faint sigh, her breathing finally leveling out.

Her trembling ceases, leaving her looking drained but calm. Vulnerable. Mine.

"Karan... how long?" she whispers, her voice hoarse, barely audible.

I gather her into my arms, holding her tightly against me. My hand strokes her hair, my other hand drawing soothing circles on her back. "Just a few more days, Babydoll. I promise you. I'll make sure you never have to face anything that makes you weak again. I swear."