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"You won't sleep, though,” he said.

Her shoulders slumped. "No, I probably won’t.”

"You'll lie awake waiting for the next nightmare."

She didn't answer him because they both knew he was right. Soren stood and pulled her up with him.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I’m taking you to my room.” He wasn’t really asking her, but if she told him that she didn’t want that, he’d understand. He wouldn’t like it, but he’d understand. “You need sleep, babygirl, and I like having you close to me.” He held out his hand, and she took it, following him upstairs to his room.

Soren crossed to the far side of the room and pulled back the duvet. His bed was large enough for four people. He'd always preferred his space, but tonight, for the first time, space was the last thing he wanted. Tonight, he needed Lily curled up beside him while he held her.

"Lily." She looked at him uncertainly, and every possessive instinct inside of him roared to life. "Come here."

She hesitated. "I don't—” Her cheeks pinkened. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why?" he asked.

"Because—” She glanced toward the bed before quickly looking away. "People will think⁠—"

"There is no one here who would think less of you,” he promised. “Plus, I really don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks, babygirl. I’m only concerned with what you think.”

"I'm still your guest."

"You're under my protection,” he growled.

She swallowed. "That's different."

"It is." He walked toward her slowly, giving her every opportunity to refuse. "I am not asking anything of you."

"I know,” she whispered.

"You need sleep." She nodded. "And you said that I make you feel safe," he reminded.

“You do,” she breathed.

"And tonight—” His voice softened. “I need to make sure that you’re safe, babygirl.”

Her eyes widened. "You do?”

Soren looked toward the rain streaking across the windows. "With everything that happened tonight, I need you next to me." He met her gaze again. "I'd rather know you're safe than wonder if you're lying awake alone in your room."

Something in her expression melted. It wasn’t fear or uncertainty, but relief. "You really mean that."

"I do,” he said.

She looked at the bed one more time before climbing onto the far side, careful to leave as much space between them as possible. Soren smiled to himself when she chose to settle on the very edge of the mattress, as though she were afraid of taking up too much room.

He switched off the bedside lamp, leaving only the soft glow of the fireplace. After a few moments, he settled onto the opposite side of the bed. The silence stretched between them, and he was just beginning to think she'd fallen asleep when her quiet voice drifted through the darkness.

"Soren?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for letting me sleep in here."

He stared up at the ceiling. "You don't have to thank me for taking care of you."