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“I don’t think that’s really a good idea, do you?” She’s killing me.

“Not for that.” She looks away, finding her courage before looking back at me. “It’s just…I haven’t smiled or laughed like this in a long time. Even with everything that happened tonight. And I just…you…I guess what I’m trying to say is…I know it’s selfish, and I’m sorry I can’t offer you anything. But I’ve been alone a long time and when you’re around, I don’t feel so alone.” Her lip quivers and her eyes plead.

“Okay.” I find myself saying, knowing how much it took for her to admit any of that. “I get it.” And I do, more than I care to admit.

Walking around, I kick off my shoes, hit the lights, and crawl in bed behind her, on top of the covers. A man can only be pushed so far. Reaching one arm around, I pull her into my chest.

“Thank you, Cohen. For everything.” She snuggles in closer to me.

After several minutes, she shivers in the dark and lets out a heavy sigh.

“Did you want the light left on?” I didn’t even think to ask her.

“No. It’s okay.” She yawns.

“You aren’t afraid of the dark?” I whisper into the back of her hair, teasing her.

“It’s hard to be afraid of what lives inside you.” Her confession is a murmur as she drifts to sleep, leaving me wide awake and wondering what exactly she meant. I hold her until her breathing evens out, until I can’t bear to hold her without touching her anymore, then I lock up and quietly slip out of her room.

It seems like when I’m with her all I do is put her to bed. I can’t wait for the day I can take her to bed, but so long as it’s him who’s in her mind, that’s not going to happen.