“You need water,” he said, turning away.
“No!” I exclaimed, grasping his hand. “No, please. Stay.”
He crawled into the bed and melded his front to my back. His powerful arms snaked around me, securing me tightly.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“Nightmare?” he asked.
I nodded. “I’m sorry I woke you.”
“You didn’t. I’d just set you in the bed and was putting out the fireplace.”
“Good,” I said, gripping his forearms and snuggling closer.
“What was it about?”
I closed my eyes. “I was having trouble breathing. I always do in this one. Someone was holding me down, smothering me. And there was blood. Your blood. You were bleeding.”
He made a strangled noise. “I’ve been too rough with you.”
I shook my head emphatically. “I think it’s because of the fight with Bill tonight.”
“You said ‘this one.’ Do you have nightmares often?”
“Only since . . .”
“Since what?” he prompted.
“The night in my office.”
His head popped up behind me. “With Alvarez? His attack?”
“Yes,” I said quietly.
“Oh, baby,” he said, burrowing in my neck and rocking me. “It’s my fault—I shouldn’t have restrained you.”
“No.” I took a breath. “It’s not that.”
“I’ll never let anyone touch you the way he did.” David shook me gently in his arms. “Do you hear me?” he asked fervently in my ear. “I promise. You’re safe with me.”
“I know,” I said. “My superhero.”
“Do you need water?”
“Don’t leave.” I sighed. I rotated in his grasp and wrapped my arms tightly around him. “Don’t go.”
9
David stirred underneath me. My eyes opened to a light-infused room that felt as warm and happy as I did. His arms pulled me closer, and I lifted my head from his shoulder to look at him. “Did we fall asleep like this?” I whispered.
He nodded.
I sighed. “Sorry.”
“Why?”
“I didn’t mean to cling to you all night.”
