“Let’s get you back to bed, baby,” Drew murmured, guiding Joe away from the mirror. “You sleep as long as you want. I’ll be right here if you need anything.”
“Thanks.” Joe leaned on Drew, letting Drew help him back to the bed. Joe sat down on the edge, then fell over, his head hitting the pillow with a thud.
Drew got Joe’s legs onto the bed and pulled the covers up. “I’m going to get some water in case you wake up thirsty, and I’ll be right back, okay?”
“ ’kay.” Joe’s voice was muffled, but at least he was answering. He hadn’t checked out again, and he wasn’t protesting anything Drew wanted.
Seeing Joe so docile was new and a little alarming, and it made Drew want to help him all the more. He went to get a couple of bottles of water from the fridge and returned quickly. He left the bottles on the nightstand in easy reach, and then he got back into bed and gathered Joe in his arms again.
“You’re safe,” he said, hoping the words helped on some level. “I’m here. I’m not leaving you alone.”
Joe sighed. “I’m always alone,” he murmured drowsily. “Alone in the dark.”
“Not anymore,” Drew said, tightening his arms around Joe. All of his protective instincts were surging to the forefront, and now his heart was getting in on the action. If Drew wasn’t careful,Finnmight be the one who had to share. “I’m with you.”
Joe said something unintelligible, but his breathing slowed down and grew even, so Drew knew he had fallen asleep. He relaxed in Drew’s arms, as though allowing himself to take the comfort in slumber that he probably would have rejected if fully conscious. Drew remained awake to watch over Joe while he slept, hoping that holding Joe close and stroking his back would keep the nightmares at bay.
