I nod. “I think so. They didn’t have the stature of shifters. They moved differently, too.”
“Were they from the Mainland?”
“I don’t know,” I say, even though I’m pretty sure they were. “But we’ll get answers. I’ll do my best to find out.”
She stares at me for a while, then nods. “Okay.”
I start to pull away, to stand up and go back to my room. But her hand shoots out, grabbing my arm.
“Stay,” she asks, surprising me. “Please. I don’t want to be alone.”
My dragon makes himself known. He wants me to stay.
“Of course. Just until you fall asleep,” I tell her.
“No.” She shakes her head. “Can you…sleep with me? It won’t be…you know…” She trails off, her cheeks flushing. “It won’t be like that. I just…I’m scared that they’ll come for us, or that I’ll have that dream again. You calm me. I feel safe with you, Grim. I need to feel safe right now.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.
This is a terrible idea. I’m already struggling not to look at her body. Not to think about how good she smells. How soft her skin felt when I was holding her. How much I want to—
“You know what?” Wren says, misreading my hesitation. “You don’t have to. It’s fine. I’m asking too much. It isn’t right of me to—”
“I’ll stay,” I tell her. “It’s fine. I don’t mind at all. As long as you’re sure.”
Her face lights up with relief. “Of course, I’m sure. Thank you.”
I adjust the sheet around my waist. Then I lie down on top of the comforter, making sure there is sufficient space between us.
“You can get under the covers,” Wren says, her voice soft.
So fucking innocent.
There is just no way I can be under the covers with her and not touch her. The worst thing of all is that she would let me do it.
“I run hot,” I tell her. “I’m good like this. Get some rest. I’m here if you need me. I’ll watch over you.”
I reach over and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear before I can stop myself.
What the fuck was that?
I shouldn’t be doing things like that. Shouldn’t be touching her at all. Shouldn’t be making this feel like something it’s not.
She lies down, turning so her back is to me. “Thanks, Grim. I really appreciate it.”
She wouldn’t be thanking me if she knew how hard I am right now. If she knew the thoughts running through my head. I’m a terrible person. I really need to get a grip.
“Of course,” I manage. “I’m here.”
“Good night.”
“Night,” I tell her. “Try to think happy thoughts. That way, it should translate into your dreams.”
“That’s a good idea. I will.”
I lie there, staring at the ceiling. Every muscle in my body is tense.
Her breathing gradually changes, evening out. Deepening until she’s asleep. It doesn’t take as long as I thought it would.
