“A glass of water, please.” She unzips her bag as I leave the room, needing to secure the office. Luckily I’ve had a lock on thatdoor for a while, since my computer contains a lot of sensitive information.
Once locked and secured, I climb the stairs and get her a glass of water and take it back down to her room.
She’s changed into checked flannel pyjamas, sitting on the bed with the duvet covering her legs. “Thank you,” she says as I hand her the glass of water.
After she’s had a drink, she places it on the bedside table next to the night lamp she’s switched on. “Will you tuck me in?”
I’m taken back to when her father passed. I tucked her in and read her a bedtime story. As I gaze into her eyes, it’s the same little girl staring back at me, full of sadness and loneliness, just like she was then.
I lift the duvet, gesturing for her to lie down. “Do you want me to tell you a story, too?” My lips curve into a smile.
She shuffles down the bed, a smile pushing her cheeks up showing me the dimple I love. “I like my fairytales a little smuttier these days.”
“I’m sure you do.” A chuckle bursts from my mouth. “Get some sleep, princess.” I kiss her forehead and tightly press the duvet around her neck, tucking her in. My hand moves to the switch on the lamp.
“Leave it on.” Her two front teeth sink into her bottom lip. “Please.”
I nod, forcing my feet to move away from the bed. “I’m just next door if you need me.” Leaving her door ajar, I check the house is secure and walk barefoot along the cold flagstone tiles in the hallway to my room.
I pull the burner phone from my jeans pocket and shoot her a text, hoping to cover my tracks. Things were a little crazy back there, and I got the feeling she knew something was suss when I burst into her room, and Taylor was surprised to see me.
Tell me you’re safe. Are you all right?
The grey carpet and bedding match my grey mood as I change into an old t-shirt and shorts. Usually I don’t wear anything for bed, but I can’t risk Lilly seeing my healing wound. Or my dick, for that matter. The general’s been on camera more than any other part of me. I climb into bed and flit my eyes to the ceiling, wondering how long I can keep this up. I’ve been a fucking idiot.
Climbing into bed, I check the phone.
I’m fine. Staying with my brother-in-law.
If you need anything, just let me know. I wish I was there to hold you.
Me too.
Sweet dreams, nightingale.
Turning out the bedside lamp, I stare at the gap in the blind where a slither of moonlight peeks through, like a slither of hope in my chest. Only light can measure darkness, and just the tiniest amount of light can vanquish despair. I know I don’t deserve her, and making her fall in love with me is wrong because I can never give her the things she desires.
I close my eyes, hoping sleep will come, willing it even, but my mind’s too wired to relax. I can’t tell if it’s having her in the next room or tonight’s events that keeps me restless.
In the still of the night, my bedroom door creaks. More light pours into the room from the hallway, and Lilly’s silhouette steps into the room like a fucking angel bathed in an illuminating glow.
My heart stutters. I sit up. “Everything all right?”
“I can’t sleep.” She closes the door behind her and pads towards my bed barefoot with nothing but the slither of moonlight through the gap in the blind to guide her. “I don’t want to be alone tonight.”
I pull the duvet back and slide over so she can get in. I can never deny her anything she asks. “I’m here.”
The bed dips as she climbs in, and she immediately rests her head on my arm that’s stretched out for her. “Couldn’t you sleep either?” Her palm tentatively slides over my chest as she shuffles her body closer to mine, making herself comfortable.
I lie on my back, pulling her close to my side. “I rarely sleep.” My muscles relax with her in my arms, as if remembering how she’s able to put me at ease with one touch. My knuckles glide down her spine, over her soft flannel pyjamas.
“You don’t have to be alone.” I take a deep inhale, catching the scent of her honey and almond shampoo. So much meaning in one sentence. Does she know I mean forever and not just tonight? I want to keep her here with me and wrap her in cotton wool. Keep her safe and by my side. Grow old with her. Lock her away for my selfish needs and handcuff her to my bed for my selfish pleasure.
“Thank you.” Her head burrows into my shoulder as her palm caresses my chest, sliding across as if trying to straighten out the creases in my old t-shirt. Slowly, her hand slides lower down my abdomen and settles over the wound there under the fabric.
Before she can feel anything, I take her hand in mine and pull it back to my chest over my heart and hold it there, my thumb circling the back of her hand in small soothing strokes.
Her head tips back, her breath fanning my neck as she gazes into my eyes. Our mouths inches apart, sparks of electricity tingle my lips.
