She sat up slowly, wincing as her muscles protested. Her throat ached where Dan had pressed the knife. Her body felt like she’d been hit by a truck.
But she was alive.
She was safe.
And Carson was here.
Nora found him in the suite’s small kitchen area, pouring coffee into two mugs. He was still wearing yesterday’s clothes—rumpled shirt, jeans, his shoulder holster visible. He looked exhausted, like he hadn’t slept at all.
“Hey,” she said softly.
He turned, and relief flooded his face when he saw her. “Hey. How are you feeling?”
“Sore. Tired. But okay.” She moved closer, accepting the coffee mug he offered. “Did you sleep at all?”
“Some.” A lie, based on the dark circles under his eyes. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. That there were no nightmares.”
“Were there?”
“A few. You were restless around three AM. I almost woke you, but you settled down on your own.”
The knowledge that he’d stayed awake watching over her, protecting her even in sleep, made her chest ache. “You should have rested. You’ve been through just as much as I have.”
“I’m fine.”
“Carson.” She set down her mug and moved closer, reaching up to touch his face. He had stubble, shadows, tension written in every line. “You’re not fine. You’re exhausted. When was the last time you had a full night’s sleep?”
His hand came up to cover hers. “I’ll sleep when I know you’re really okay.”
“I am okay. Because of you.” She held his gaze. “But you can’t keep running on empty. You’re going to burn out.”
“I’ve been running on empty for nineteen years. I’m used to it.”
The casual admission broke her heart. “That’s not healthy.”
“Neither is a lot of things I do.” He turned his head to press a kiss to her palm. “But I’m working on it. For you.”
The words hung between them—another promise, another revelation. Carson Black, the man who didn’t let people in, was letting her in. Was trying to change patterns that had defined him for nearly two decades.
Because of her.
“Captain called this morning,” Carson said, stepping back to pick up his own coffee. “Eugene and Dan are both being arraigned today. Multiple charges—stalking, breaking and entering, assault, attempted murder. The DA’s office thinks they can get fifteen to twenty years minimum.”
“Good.” Nora wrapped both hands around her mug, needing something to hold onto. “And the investigation? Is it really over?”
“Finn’s still running down connections, making sure there aren’t any more surprises. But it looks like it was just Eugene and Dan. No one else involved.” He paused. “They’re also reviewing building security at your apartment complex. Eugene had been systematically erasing footagefor months. He had help from someone in the security company—they’re facing charges too.”
“How many people were involved in this?”
“Just the three. But it’s enough.” Carson’s jaw clenched. “You deserved better. Deserved to feel safe in your own home. And I’m going to make sure that never happens again.”
“You can’t control everything.”
“I can try.”
Nora moved to him, setting down her mug and wrapping her arms around his waist. He stiffened for a moment—surprised, maybe, or still not used to being touched—then relaxed and pulled her close.
“Thank you,” she said against his chest. “For everything. For believing me, for protecting me, for being here when I needed someone.”
