I took a deep careful breath and let it out.

She heard the edge of resentment in her own voice and took a careful breath.

He drew a careful breath, aware that everyone in the great hall was looking at him.

She opened her eyes again and took a careful breath.

She took a long, careful breath to be certain her voice was calm.

So, she thought on a careful breath, she'd walked into that one.

He took a long breath, careful of his bound ribs.

She opened her mouth, closed it again, took a careful breath.

He took a careful breath, then pulled out a cigarette.

I took a careful breath through my nose, then another, more relaxed one.