Alina coughed harder at first, then slowly steadied, one hand pressed to her chest and the other gripping the edge of her chair. Her eyes watered from the fit, but at last she managed to breathe evenly again.
"I–I'm fine," she said between breaths, her voice soft and a little hoarse as she glanced up at Gabriel. His face was far too close, far too worried, and his hand still lingered protectively on her back.
She blinked, surprised, her heart fluttering at the rare glimpse of alarm in his usually composed and gentle expression.
Gabriel's brows furrowed, his hand still resting on her shoulder. "Are you sure?" he asked firmly, like he wouldn't believe her unless she repeated it again.
Alina smiled faintly, embarrassed but touched. "Yes, I'm fine now. Really."
Only then did he relax, slowly pulling his hand back, though his eyes lingered on her face for a moment longer than necessary.
