Chapter 15A
Grey
I wake up in his arms.
For a moment, I don't remember where I am, just the feel of a warm body beside me, the slow rhythm of breathing, the weight of an arm draped across my waist. It all comes back to me, it wasn’t a dream. I’m in Cain's apartment, Cain's bed, Cain's face inches from mine.
He's still asleep. His face is softer in sleep, the sharp edges smoothed away, the control slackened. He looks younger. I watch him breathe. He asked me to stay. He held me. He kissed me. He said he can't stop.
I'm happy. The thought hits me like a physical blow.
I've been obsessed for months. Hungry, desperate, consumed by the need to be close to him. But I never let myself imagine this. Waking up next to him. Feeling his heartbeat under my hand. Knowing he chose to keep me here.
The happiness sits in my chest like something fragile. Like glass. Like it could shatter at any moment. Something will go wrong. It always goes wrong. Nothing this good lasts.
He stirs. "Morning." His voice is rough in the morning, I like it.
"Morning," I whisper. He smiles.
"Did you sleep?"
"Better than I have in months."
"Good." He pulls me closer. His mouth presses against my forehead. "You're staying for breakfast."
"Okay." I laugh so much the sound surprises me.
"What?"
"Nothing." I shake my head. "I just didn't expect..." I gesture between us. "You. Me. This."
He studies my face.
"Neither did I," he admits. "But I'm not complaining."
The morning passes in slow motion. He makes me coffee. I can’t help but watch him. He's beautiful, he catches me watching and raises an eyebrow.
"Eat something," he says, pushing a plate toward me. "You look like you haven't had a real meal in weeks."