Azrael's strong arms enveloped her, securing her in a protective embrace. His hands, firm yet gentle, held her waist as he effortlessly prevented her from hitting the ground. Once again, she was acting without considering the consequences, yet Azrael couldn't deny the pull he felt toward her. She was indeed hard to resist. To think he had warned himself not to do anything stupid until now, and he had been doing a commendable job holding himself back until she made the first move by purposely dropping herself.
"That's because I care about you," he said, his voice cracking as he fought to keep himself in check.
"And that's the same way I care about Mary," Aurora replied, her words coming out in a rush. "I...." Before she could finish her words, Azrael shifted his position, slamming her against a nearby tree.
