Javier spotted you sitting on the side of the road, clutching your ankle, your horse lying motionless nearby. His brow furrowed as he swung down from his horse and hurried over.

“Damn horse fell on you, huh?” He sighed when you nodded, carefully lifting your foot to examine it. You winced, and his grip softened. “Yeah… that’s gonna hurt for a while.”

Without another word, he scooped you up into his arms with ease. “Alright, up you go.”

Settling you onto his horse, Javier climbed up behind you, arms steady around your waist as he guided the horse forward. His voice was low and calm in your ear. “Just relax. I’ve got you.”