The man was none other than Elliott, wrapping his arms around her as if his life depended on her right now. She could feel his arms shaking, and she felt her heart squeeze, and the energy that had been replaced by paralysis had disappeared.
"Are you okay?" he demanded as soon as he let her go.
Lauren didn't answer him; she couldn't; her lungs still weren't working at full capacity yet, and neither was her voice. She did feel energy, but why she was not able to form a word out of her mouth. She stared at his worried eyes, which were asking questions.
Lauren tried to nod, but that's obviously not good enough for him because he was whirling Lauren around, his hands skimming over her body as he ordered, "Answer me, Laurence! Are you all right?" It was the first time Elliott used her full name to address her, and she felt melting and overjoyed.
