Not long after Raymond had cleaned himself up, he then pulled up at the quiet street corner where Valentina sat. Her arms were wrapped around herself, her eyes red, her body trembling from everything that had happened.
Without saying a word, Raymond rushed toward her.
He dropped to his knees and pulled her into his arms, holding her close—firm, warm, and protective.
His touch was gentle, even though a strange coldness still lingered in the air around him.
Then he rested her head on his shoulder, whispering softly as his arms tightened.
"I'm here," he said. "I've got you now. You're safe."
Valentina didn't speak at first.
She just let the warmth of his embrace wash over her broken pieces.
"I'm sorry," he murmured again, his tone calm but laced with something more.
"This won't happen again. I'll make sure of it. From now on, you'll have security… someone watching over you, someone you can count on."
