“Not now. But maybe leave it close and I’ll grab it if I get cold?” He gazed up at me with guileless eyes.
“Sounds like a plan. I’m going to get into bed. I snore, so if I keep you awake, just let me know.”
He shook his head. “It’s okay. It’s not going to bother me.”
I pressed my hand to his cheek. “Goodnight, pup.”
“Do I get a kiss?” Again with the fathomless dark-brown eyes.
I crouched so our lips could touch. Just for the briefest of moments. Just so I got the sense of super soft. I pulled back first. “Sleep well, Solo.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
I rose to find Daphne sitting at the door. I patted the bed. “Come on, girl. Tonight we sleep in here.” She leapt up, went to the far side, turned three times, and dropped her head on the pillow.
Marty’s side of the bed. Marty’s pillow.
I blinked back the tears that threatened to fall. Instead of giving in to the memories, I lay down, settled in, and listened to Andre’s soft breathing.
You did good today. You’ll have to be at the top of your game tomorrow.
Yes, I would.
For the first time in a long time, a creature other than Daphne was relying on me. I wouldn’t let him down.
Chapter Twelve
Andre
“Andre, are you okay?” Zahir’s voice came from a distance. Knowing he spoke, and actually being pulled in by the words were two completely separate things. I struggled to make sense of them.
“What?” I rubbed my face.
“You were dreaming.” A gentle hand caressed my cheek. “Well, more like a nightmare. And I knew I wasn’t supposed to wake you—”
“No. It was fine. I was fine.” I cracked an eye open.
Last night flooded back. I winced. “I’m in your bed.” Slowly, I opened my eyes.
Another stroke down my cheek. “That’s fine. I assumed you had a good reason.”
“But Daphne—”
He shook his head. “She’s fast asleep in her bed in here. She’d already moved down—did before I even fell asleep. I think she sensed my restlessness. Sometimes she comforts me, and sometimes she findsher own space and gives me mine.” He swallowed. “Look, I’m glad you’re here. That tells me you know how to seek safety. Do you need more rest? I need to run Daphne out—”
“I said I’d do that.” The panic from the worry of Zahir being angry was receding. Now I just had to get my footing back.
“My girl can wait a few minutes. How about we shower and meet downstairs? Or do you plan to go for a run? Do some exercise? In that case, a shower after would be better.”
I loved how he understood me. Could think out what I needed to do at any one time. I offered a smile. “A shower and a walk with Daphne should be perfect.”
“Great. I’ll meet you downstairs.” He kissed my forehead. Then, as if catching himself, he rolled out of bed and headed out of the room.
Daphne followed, hard on his heels. She gave me the quickest of glances before taking off.
I headed to the bathroom and did everything I needed to do to start my day. A day that started with me in a man’s bed. Something I’d never done before. I’d never stayed in anyone’s bed. Never invited them to stay in mine. Whether because I was a private person, or because I was just scared shitless, I couldn’t be certain.
Zahir had the coffee and kettle on when I arrived in the kitchen.
