“Yeah, Trouble?”
“I’m really tired.”
His hand tightens gently around mine, a reassuring anchor in the quiet. “Then sleep.”
I swallow, feeling vulnerable. “Will you take me to bed?”
He leans forward slightly, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles, a sweet gesture that sends warmth coursing through me. “You’re already in bed, baby.”
I shake my head weakly, a sense of longing rising within me. “No.”
My voice is barely above a whisper, but it carries the weight of my need. “I want to be in your bed.”
His expression changes instantly, shifting to something softer, warmer, but concern quickly follows. “I’d love that,” he says quietly. “But I don’t want to hurt you.”
A tear slips down my temple before I can stop it, an unexpected release of emotion. “Please,” I plead, my voice cracking.
My eyes meet his, and he stares at me for a moment, as if weighing the decision. Then his hand comes up gently, wiping the tear away with his thumb. “Okay,” he murmurs softly.
The way he says it makes my chest feel warm all over again, a promise that wraps around us like the blanket cocooning me.
Thirty
Emma
The morning light seeped softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow around the room. I slowly woke up, wrapped in the cozy blanket like a little burrito. Memories of the chaos from the night before rushed back, but there was something comforting beside me—Hawk. No, Ryan. Just thinking about him made my heart flutter.
I turned to look at him, still sleeping peacefully. His features were relaxed, a nice change from the usual tension I’d seen. His dark hair was a mess, and I couldn’t help but smile at how adorable he looked. The rise and fall of his chest was steady, grounding me in this moment of calm.
I reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. My fingers lingered on his skin, warm and inviting. Hawk—Ryan—was my anchor, my strength, and it felt good to have him here.
As if he sensed my gaze, he stirred, his eyes blinking open to meet mine. A sleepy smile spread across his face, and I felt my own lips lift in response. “Morning, Trouble,” he mumbled, his voice still thick with sleep.
“Morning,” I replied softly, my voice a bit rough from last night.
He propped himself up on one elbow, studying me with a look that made my stomach flip. “How are you feeling?” His brow furrowed slightly, concern flickering in his eyes.
I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “Sore. My throat hurts. But…” I hesitated, gathering my thoughts. “I’m okay.”
He nodded, the seriousness returning to his expression. “That’s good to hear.”
There was a moment of silence between us, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. I shifted closer, feeling a rush of courage. “Hawk, can we talk about where we stand?”
His gaze met mine, intense and searching. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”
I took a deep breath, my heart racing. “I love you,” I said, the words spilling out before I could second-guess myself. “I get it if you don’t feel the same way.”
His expression softened, and I could see the emotions swirling in his eyes. “I can’t even describe my love for you,” he said, his voice low and steady. “You’re the air I breathe, the blood in my veins. I’d be nothing without you.”
A warmth spread through me at his words, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Hawk…” I started, but he stopped me, his eyes serious.
“My real name is Ryan,” he said, his voice firm yet gentle.
“Ryan,” I whispered, the name feeling both foreign and familiar on my tongue. Just saying it made my heart race, and he leaned in, capturing my lips with his in a soft, electrifying kiss.
When he pulled back, there was a seriousness in his gaze. “I have something important to tell you,” he said, his tone shifting.
“What is it?” I asked, my heart pounding with curiosity.
