Chapter 66 "Don't be afraid, I'm here", the ultimate sense of security

The SUV drove smoothly back to the city. Outside the window, the flashing police lights and whizzing military vehicles gradually gave way to the bustling streets. However, the cabin was still shrouded in a subtle silence, a kind of post-disaster slumber.

Su Wanqing was wrapped in Huo Tingxiao's large coat, which lingered with his body heat and a unique scent of smoke and cold, like an invisible barrier separating her from the horrific nightmare she had just experienced. She tilted her head slightly, watching the rapidly receding lights outside the window, her eyes still somewhat empty and dazed, as if her soul had not yet fully returned to its place.

The dull sting of pain from the ropes around her wrists and ankles reminded her that what she had just experienced was not an illusion. The kidnappers' vulgar words, the cold knife, and the fear of approaching death... the images were still so clear that she couldn't help but tremble slightly.

A big, warm and rough hand held her cold hand on her leg at the right time and with more force.

Su Wanqing's heart trembled suddenly and she turned her head subconsciously.

Huo Tingxiao was still concentrating on the road ahead. His profile was cold and hard, but the strength he held on her hand was firm and warm. His fingertips unconsciously and very gently stroked the glaring red marks on her wrist, as if trying to smooth them out.

He didn't look at her or speak, but this simple yet powerful action made Su Wanqing feel more at ease than any words.

She didn't struggle, nor did she speak, simply letting him hold her, feeling the constant warmth and a heart-pounding sense of security emanating from his palm. Her cold fingertips gradually warmed under his embrace, and her frightened, cold, and numb heart seemed to come back to life.

Tears welled up in my eyes again without warning, but it was not out of fear, but an indescribable, sour grievance and... dependence.

She quietly lowered her eyelashes and forced back the tears.

As the car entered the compound and passed the sentry post, the soldier on duty saw the license plate and Huo Tingxiao inside the car and immediately saluted solemnly. However, his eyes involuntarily glanced at Su Wanqing, who was wearing a men's jacket and had a pale face in the passenger seat, with surprise and inquiry in his eyes.

Huo Tingxiao nodded expressionlessly, driving straight towards the building where they lived without slowing down.

The car stopped. Huo Tingxiao got out first, walked around to the passenger seat, and opened the door. He didn't let her out immediately. Instead, he leaned over and carefully checked her, making sure she was okay. Then he reached out and helped her out of the car naturally.

His movements were still sharp and slightly stiff, typical of a soldier, but he was more careful and... considerate than ever before.

Su Wanqing used his strength to stand firm, and the pain in her ankle made her frown slightly.

This subtle expression did not escape Huo Tingxiao's eyes. He frowned, and without hesitation, he bent down and picked her up again!

"Ah!" Su Wanqing cried out softly, her cheeks instantly flushed. "I, I can walk by myself..."

"Don't move." Huo Tingxiao's low voice came from above his head, with an unquestionable meaning, and he held her and walked steadily towards the unit door.

His embrace was firm and steady, carrying a reassuring strength. Su Wanqing stopped struggling and gently rested her burning cheek against his solid chest. She could clearly hear the steady, strong beat of his heart. Boom... Boom... Boom... Each beat seemed to tell her: It's safe. It's all right.

At this moment, all her shyness and reserve were replaced by a huge sense of security. She even subconsciously shrank into his arms, seeking more protection.

Huo Tingxiao sensed her subtle, dependent movement, and his arms tightened around her imperceptibly, his steps becoming more steady.

Walking into the house, the living room was brightly lit, yet still deserted. But this time, because of his presence and embrace, this cold space no longer made Su Wanqing feel scared and suffocated.

Huo Tingxiao carefully placed her on the sofa in the living room, then squatted down to check the injury on her ankle. Her once fair ankle was now red and swollen, with several obvious scrapes and bruises.

His brows furrowed even tighter, a trace of heartache and anger flashing across his eyes. He stood up, took out the medicated oil and gauze from the medicine box, and then brought a basin of warm water.

He squatted in front of her again, holding her ankle with a somewhat clumsy but unusually gentle movement, and carefully wiped away the dust and tiny traces of blood around it with a wet warm towel.

His fingertips were covered with calluses, and when they touched the sensitive skin of her ankle, it brought a slight shudder. Su Wanqing subconsciously wanted to retract her foot, but he gently held it down.

"Don't move, take care of it, otherwise it will be more swollen tomorrow." His voice was still not loud, but it carried a gentleness that could not be refused.

Su Wanqing stopped moving, staring at him blankly. She watched his focused, downcast brows, watched him carefully clean her wound, watched the beads of sweat on his forehead that hadn't yet dried... a complex mix of emotions surged within her.

This cold, domineering man, who had even hurt her severely with words not long ago, was now taking care of her so patiently and gently as if she were a rare treasure.

The two sides of ice and fire were displayed in him at the same time, which confused her and made her...heart moved.

After treating her ankle, he took the medicated oil, poured it into his palms and rubbed it to warm it, then massaged her red and swollen wrist with moderate pressure. His movements were still a little stiff, but they were filled with indescribable care and care.

"Does it still hurt?" He asked in a muffled voice, lowering his head.

Su Wanqing shook her head gently, her voice choked with sobs: "...much better."

The air fell silent again, with only the subtle sound of the medicinal oil being rubbed in and the shallow breathing of the two people.

After a long moment, Huo Tingxiao slowly raised his head and looked at her with deep eyes. Those deep eyes were filled with so many complex emotions—lingering anger, deep fear, intense self-blame, and a hint of tenderness and care that he tried so hard to conceal but still managed to leak out...

"I'm sorry." He said suddenly, his voice very hoarse, "Today... and before... everything."

These three words, spoken from his mouth, seemed so difficult, yet so heavy and sincere.

Su Wanqing's nose suddenly felt sore, and she couldn't help but let her tears fall again.

She shook her head and wanted to say something, but was interrupted by his next action.

Huo Tingxiao reached out and gently wiped the tears from her cheek with his fingertips. His movements were clumsy but full of pity. His eyes locked onto hers, and he promised her clearly and solemnly, word by word:

"Wanqing, I was the bastard before."

"From now on, I will never let you suffer any grievances again."

"I won't let anyone hurt you in the slightest."

His words were not flowery, but carried a resounding power and determination, like the most solemn oath, striking heavily on Su Wanqing's heart.

Then, he looked into her tear-filled eyes, and very slowly, yet with great determination, he gently embraced her in his arms.

This hug no longer carried the domineering and coercive feeling of before, but was instead filled with comfort, protection, and... atonement.

He rested his chin on the top of her head, his voice low and reassuring:

"Don't be afraid."

"I am here."

These four simple words seemed to contain infinite power, instantly breaking down all of Su Wanqing's psychological defenses.

The strength and composure she had been forcing herself to maintain completely crumbled. She reached out and hugged his sturdy waist tightly, burying her face deep in his broad, warm chest. Like a child who had finally found support, she burst into tears, as if wanting to vent all her fear, grievances, and lingering anxieties.

Huo Tingxiao didn't say anything else, but just hugged her even tighter, patting her back gently with one hand, and using his silent but firm embrace to give her the ultimate sense of security.

He knew that verbal apologies were powerless.

He can only use his actions and the rest of his life to make up for it and protect it.

Outside the window, the night is deep.

Inside the house, the lights are warm.

He held her in his arms as if he were holding the whole world that he had lost and found again.

All the barriers and coldness seem to melt away quietly in this embrace full of security.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."

This is the simplest promise he can give, and also the most extreme protection.