Linda heels echoed against the concrete floor as she stepped inside cautiously. Her eyes scanned the space, her breath catching in her throat with each step forward.
Suddenly, a hand tapped her shoulder from behind.
She gasped and spun around in alarm, her heart hammering in her chest. But relief washed over her instantly the moment she saw his face.
"Alexander!" she breathed, flinging her arms around him.
He hugged her tightly, his frame thinner than she remembered. He looked worn-out, his once polished appearance replaced with unshaven stubble and tired eyes.
"Linda," he murmured. "I wasn't sure you'd come."
"Are you crazy? Of course I came," she said, stepping back slightly to examine him. "Where have you been? What happened to you? Why didn't you call earlier?"
Alexander gave a soft chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "It's a long story. And I can't share everything... not yet."
