“You’re always so dramatic, Amelia.”
“I didn’t cheat on you. God, why do you always assume the worst?”
“You’re lucky I even put up with this shit.”
“You think any other man would deal with you?”
His voice rises like a wave, crashing louder, crueler.
“If you weren’t so cold, maybe I’d actually want to come home.”
The walls are closing in. I can’t breathe. I try to move, but I’m stuck to the floor. His hand grips my wrist, pulling me toward him. I scream, but no sound comes out. His mouth is right next to my ear, whispering.
“You’re nothing without me.”
I wake up screaming.
I suddenly sit up, lungs struggling for air as if I were underwater. My skin is clammy with sweat, and the blanket slides off my shoulders.
Maverick appears beside me instantly, both hands gently cupping my face.
“Hey. Hey, look at me, baby. It’s okay. You’re safe,” he says softly, his voice steady but thick with concern. “You’re here with me, alright? I’ve got you.”
He called mebabyagain.
I can’t breathe. My heart is pounding out of sync. My hands grip the fabric of his tank as I try to ground myself.
He presses his forehead gently against mine. “It’s over.It’s just a dream, dollface. I promise. You’re not there anymore.”
My voice is barely a whisper. “Nightmare.”
He nods, brushing a tear off my cheek with the pad of his thumb. “I know.”
His eyes search mine like he’s trying to carry the weight for me.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asks gently.
I shake my head, panic still burning in my throat. “No. Please, not right now.”
“Okay.” He doesn’t push.
Without saying a word, he slips his arm under my knees as the other curls around my back. My head rests against his chest, the steady thump of his heartbeat comforting in a way nothing else is. He carries me up the stairs, the soft glow of the sconces casting a warm light across the hallway walls.
Maverick nudges the door open with his hip and gently sets me down on the bed's edge. He brushes my hair away from my forehead.
“Do you want me to stay?” he asks.
My voice cracks. “Please.”
He nods once, pulling off his tank top, then climbs into bed beside me and wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close to his chest.
I melt into him instinctively, even though my brain resists. His chest feels warm against my back, and his scent—familiar and inviting—fills my senses, a blend of clean soap and something fruity that I can’t quite identify.
We lie in silence, just breathing in sync. His fingers trace gentle shapes on my hipbone through my sleep shorts, making me shudder as goosebumps race across my skin.
Eventually, he whispers, “Wanna know what I was dreaming about?”
I turn my head slightly. “What?”
