Shielded in Sorrow

The damp earth knocked the breath straight from Alessia’s lungs. Heavy, unyielding muscle locked around her, dragging her down in a dizzying blur. Valerio shielded her petite frame with his massive body, his strong arms wrapping tight around her ribs. His broad back took the brutal impact, slamming against the unforgiving ground. The sharp crack of the gunshot still echoed through the ancient pine