Elayna ran for the swinging doors, shoving them so hard they sprung off the outer block walls with a loud resounding thud. The hallway was pitch black! Hesitating for only a brief second, Elayna turned left toward what she thought was the main room and collided with a huge, solid object.
Two strong hands steadied her before she fell, holding her tightly upright. Elayna lifted her eyes but was unable to see the face of the person holding her firmly.
"Are you lost my little one?"
The voice was deep and breathy, whispering to her, mere inches from her ear.
"No, I mean, well, the lights went out and I was startled is all, really."
Elayna subtly tried to back away from the strong hands but they did not ease their pressure. It seemed to her the pressure surrounding her upper arms increased as she tried to pull away.
"Thank you, Sir? I am sure I would have fallen if you hadn't caught me."
Elayna reached up with both hands and pushed a little more forcefully against the man's chest, drawing a sharp breath when her hands made contact with the breadth and heat of it.
"You are more than right little one, I have caught you."
Elayna imagined she heard quite laughter in his answer and tried to take a step back. Instantly his hands tightened around her slim arms.