Chapter 25

Nick sucked in a short, shallow breath; all his constricted lungs would allow. He was going to lose it. Was going to embarrass himself in front of John and probably bring the whole damn structure down on their heads.

But before he totally melted down, John brushed the back of his neck with a cool hand, urging Nick’s head to his knees while he gulped for air.

“Sorry,” Nick whispered. He inhaled the smell of dust from his ruined clothes and turned his face to the wall, hoping to hide his shamed expression. “My first time in a collapsed building.”

John ran his hand over Nick’s hair. The gentle gesture soothed the tangled wet mass off his cheek. “Mine too.”