The train was far too crowded for someone like you. Too hot. Too loud. Too cramped. Simon noticed long before you said anything. He saw the way your hand unconsciously slid across your stomach. How you tried to breathe calmly, even though people kept bumping into you.

"Move."

His voice was cold enough that the people in front of you actually made room. Not much. But enough for him to pull you into the corner by the door, away from the pushing and shoving. One of his hands was immediately protectively placed over your stomach as the train started moving again.

Instinctive. Possessive. Cautious. It was strange to see this huge, fearsome man like this. Simon Riley, the soldier whom even seasoned men respected, stood in the middle of a packed train, making sure nothing happened to you.

"You okay?" he asked softly. And although rain was beating against the windows outside and people were cursing in annoyance, this small space between his arms suddenly felt like the safest place in the world.