And I was pretty sure I could call last night a successful date.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Roman
Three days later, and I'd barely slept.
I wish I could say it was because Oakley finally knew the truth and they were in my arms after all this time, after I’d waited thousands of years to find them.
But that wasn’t it.
Oakley kept having nightmares. Or at least, I assumed they were nightmares. It was totally different from the other night in my nest, and I really didn’t know how to help them.
They whimpered and cried out in their sleep, they tossed and turned, and they woke up gasping.
I’d never seen them like this.
In all the time we’d spent in safe houses around the territory, I’d never heard them this restless. Sure, we hadn’t been sharing a room then, but there was no way I wouldn’t have woken up if they’d been whimpering or crying.
And then there were the times we’d slept on the couch in their condo. They’d slept so peacefully in my arms.
The only change was that they now knew I was their viramore.
Had I done this to them? Had I brought up some horrible memories?
Was I the reason my sweet Oakley was crying in my arms right now, only half awake but very, very upset?
“Shhh…” I whispered. “I’ve got you, Oak. I’m right here. Shhh. You’re okay. You’re safe.”
A small sob escaped them, breaking my heart as I tightened my hold.
“You’re safe, sweetheart. You’re safe.”
“Ro-Roman?”
“Yeah, babydoll, I’m right here.”
They let out another small cry and snuggled closer into me. “Don’t let go. P-please don’t let go.”
“Never.”
We were quiet for a long time as they sniffled and held onto me like they were afraid I’d float away. I didn’t mind. I felt terrible that they were upset, but I was glad they were using me for comfort.
“I’m sorry,” they whispered a long time later.
“Oh, babydoll, you don’t have to be sorry. I love holding you, I’m only sorry that you’re upset. But never apologize for seeking comfort from someone, especially me. I would hold you every second of every day if you’d let me.”
They let out a choked laugh. “That would be ridiculous.”
I shrugged. “Don’t care. You’re my viramore, you belong in my arms.”
They let out a small sigh, then sniffled again as they burrowed further into me.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No.”
“Well, I’m here to listen if you change your mind.”
