Audrey I collapsed into Edwin’s arms with a sob that shook my entire frame. “There, there,” he murmured. Another sob quaked my body just at the sound of his voice and I pressed my tear-streaked face against his chest, inhaling the scent of his cologne. His strong arms enveloped me, one hand cradling the back of my head as he pulled me closer. “E-Edwin… I thought…” He didn’t respond—just gently held me, rocking me back and forth. I couldn’t decide whether to sob even harder or retreat into a ball of embarrassment at his doting. This was a side of Edwin I had never seen before. The rough, assertive Alpha professor who controlled everything in his life with an iron fist was nowhere to be found. At that moment, he was warm, gentle… protective. He rubbed soothing circle