“It’ll be boring.”
I sweep my gaze over Quinn’s bookshelf. “I’m sure I can find something to read if you don’t mind me borrowing a book?”
“No. Of course not.”
I stand and choose a book while Quinn settles on top of the quilt, with his head resting on the pillow. He tucks his hand under his cheek and watches me with heavy-lidded eyes. He has a good selection of fiction, including copies of the books he’s illustrated. I select a couple of those and then lie beside him, half propped up with cushions.
I hold my arm out. “Come here.”
Quinn shuffles into my embrace. I wrap my arm around his shoulders and hug him tight. “I haven’t forgotten.”
I frown. “Forgotten what?”
“That something was bothering you on Monday morning. You can talk to me.”
I had hoped he’d forgotten, especially as he hadn’t mentioned it since.
“Stefan? Did you hear what I said?” He lifts his eyebrows. “Did I say any of it out loud?”
“You did.” I sigh. “And I heard. Thank you.”
“You don’t always have to be the strong one.” His voice is little more than a quiet mumble as his eyes open and close slowly. After a few seconds, they remain closed. He relaxes quickly, and within two minutes, his eyes are darting back and forth beneath his eyelids.
Still holding him, I look through the books. At first, I only look at the illustrations, but the wonderful drawings interest me so much that I end up flicking back to the start so I can read the story. While I read, I stroke Quinn’s arm. It’s been a good evening overall, but I have to admit I made mistakes that left Quinn feeling frustrated. I’ll work out how to do better next time. I want to make Quinn smile, not frown, and I will.
7
QUINN
When I wake, Stefan’s arm is wrapped around me, but he’s very much asleep and snoring softly. He makes me feel safe through the few seconds when I can’t move or make a sound. Those ghastly seconds where it feels like a monster is sitting on my chest, crushing me. I suck in a deep breath the moment it passes and then turn to look at Stefan in the moonlight pouring in through the window.
A book is open on his chest. He’s still propped up slightly, probably leaving him with a sore back and shoulders. Gently, I tug the extra pillows from under him to make him more comfortable. I wonder if I should wake him. Sleeping in such a fancy suit won’t be comfortable either. Not that I can talk. I’m still wearing my shirt and trousers. I roll onto my back and flop my arm over my forehead. I’m tired but not in any immediate danger of falling asleep right away. I know from experience I’m likely to be restless for an hour or two, maybe longer. Usually, I’d draw or watch something on my laptop, but I don’t want to disturb Stefan. I lie staring at the ceiling for what feels like an eternity.
The monster is there when I wake again, staring at me with beady red eyes as it makes it hard for me to breathe. All I can do is stare at it and try to scream feebly. Beside me, Stefan stirs.
“Quinn?”
I can’t move or reply. I manage to tear my stare away from the monster to look into Stefan’s eyes. When I blink, the beast is gone, and I can breathe and move again. I gasp as Stefan gathers me into his arms.
“I’m sorry.”
“What for?”
“Waking you up. I didn’t mean to.”
“I know. It’s fine. I don’t mind.” He kisses my forehead. “I’m worried about you.”
“I’m fine.”
“You looked terrified.” His voice is soft and soothing, and I want to tuck myself against his chest.
“I was, but it’s nothing I’m not used to. Narcolepsy is the gift that keeps on giving. In this case, sleep paralysis.”
Stefan strokes my hair away from my eyes. “You mentioned that the day you moved in.”
My stomach flutters, and I smile uncontrollably. “You remembered.” I touch his arm. The jacquard material is soft beneath my fingers. “Maybe you should go? You’d sleep better alone.”
“You mean without you?”
