Blanche's POV
My body went rigid when Carry's voice reached me, that word I hadn't heard from her lips in forever. "Mommy." The sound cut through me, but I forced my expression to stay neutral.
"It's fine. Don't stress about it," I managed, keeping my voice steady as I turned to leave.
Zain's attention snapped to me at Carry's words. His eyes tracked downward, landing on the blood trickling down my arm.
"Get over here. Now." His command rang out sharp and absolute, like he had every right to order me around.
I barely glanced his way. "It's nothing."
Before I could take another step, he was moving. His hand shot out, fingers wrapping around my arm with bruising force.
I jerked back, trying to wrench free, but his grip was unbreakable. "Let go—"
The world tilted as he swept me up, his arms locking around me like steel bands. Everyone was staring, but he didn't seem to give a damn.
"Zain, put me down! What the hell is wrong with you?"
