The drunken man spat toward the side of the corridor, muttered a few curses under his breath, and staggered away with one hand braced against the wall for support.
Only after he had disappeared around the corner did Alexander finally release Lina.
He immediately took a step backward, putting a little distance between them.
"Sorry," he said calmly. "I acted on impulse just now."
Lina knew that.
She looked at him for a moment, almost amused by how composed he appeared. There was not even a trace of embarrassment on his face. His expression was so calm that anyone looking at him would think that what had just happened had been nothing more significant than moving a chair out of someone's way.
It was almost as though he had not just pulled her into his arms in the middle of a corridor.
Lina's lips curved slightly.
"It's fine. I should be thanking you for saving me."
She said it frankly, without making the situation more complicated than it was.
Alexander nodded.
