He couldn’t see him, but he could feel him. That presence, heavy and suffocating. Watching and waiting. Cody tried to move, but his body wouldn’t respond. Panic clawed up his throat.
Then—
A hand brushed his ankle.
Cody jerked awake with a gasp.
Darkness. He panicked for a moment then remembered. He was at the ranch, in his bedroom. But his heart still raced like he was in danger.
“Cody.”
Reid’s voice cut through the panic, low and steady.
The bedside lamp flicked on.
Reid was already there, sitting on the edge of the bed, eyes scanning the room before settling on him.
“You’re safe,” he said. “It was just a dream.”
Cody dragged in a breath. “It didn’t feel like one.”
“I know.”
Reid’s hand hovered for a second—waiting.
Cody grabbed it.
Reid didn’t hesitate after that. He shifted closer, one hand bracing behind Cody while the other stayed locked with his.
“Tell me about the dream,” Reid said.
Cody swallowed. “He was there, in my hotel room watching me. I couldn’t see him, but I knew—he was right there.”
Reid’s jaw tightened. “You’re safe.”
“I know that.” Cody’s voice shook. “But it felt so real.”
Reid exhaled slowly, then seemed to make a decision. “Move over,” he instructed.
Cody blinked. “What?”
“I’m not leaving you like this.” Reid’s tone brooked no argument.
He kicked off his boots then climbed into the bed beside him, solid warmth at Cody’s side, one arm wrapping around him.
“Is this… still protocol?” Cody asked around a grin.
“No,” Reid said. “This is me not letting you go through this alone.”
Cody leaned back into him, tension bleeding out in slow increments. “I like that.”
Reid’s hand settled over his chest, right above his heart.
“Match my breathing,” he murmured.
Cody tried. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat.
Reid’s heartbeat was steady against his back. Unshakable. Safe.
