Page 158 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

“Sorry,” I muttered. “She’s being...her.”

Zander ran a hand down his face, clearly fighting the urge to ask questions. Instead, he moved closer, his gaze flicking down to where my hand rubbed at my ribs.

“Come on,” he said quietly, “you need to rest.”

His hand brushed my arm as he guided me toward his bed—not a forceful pull, just enough contact to make my pulse trip over itself. The warmth of his skin lingered long after he let go. I stood there awkwardly.

“You’re not seriously expecting me to sleep inyourbed?” I asked, trying to sound indignant instead of breathless.

“I’ll take the floor,” Zander said with a tired smile. “But don’t be stubborn about this, Rebec. You’ll need your strength.”

“I’ll share the bed,” I said, tugging off my jacket and draping it over the chair near the door. I kicked off my boots and hesitated for a moment before unfastening my pants and stepping out of them. My shirt was long enough to cover most of my thighs, but still, heat crept into my face.

“I should warn you,” I added, tossing a glance over my shoulder. “I’ll probably snore. I’m too tired to care.”

Zander chuckled low in his throat. “I think I’ll survive.”

I climbed into his bed, curling onto my side. The mattress dipped slightly as he followed, and I felt the warmth of him almost immediately. He shifted closer, his chest brushing against my back as his arm settled loosely around my waist. I tensed, but only for a moment.

Gods, he was warm.His scent—leather, smoke, and something sharp I couldn’t quite name—wrapped around me, drawing me in.

“You fit,” Zander muttered behind me, almost like he was talking to himself.

I huffed a quiet laugh. “I’m sure that’s what you tell all the girls.”

His arm tightened, pulling me snug against him. My breath caught as his lips brushed against the curve of my shoulder, a whisper of contact. I wasn’t sure if he meant to or if I’d just imagined it.

“You know,” I murmured, my voice softer than I intended, “I didn’t think you trusted me.”

“I don’t trust anyone.” His voice was closer now, warm against my ear. “But you...you’re different.”

Different.The word clung to my thoughts, curling in my chest.

“Why?” I asked, feeling like I needed to know—like Ideservedto know.

“I think...” Zander paused, his thumb grazing absently over my hip. “I think you know what it’s like—to feel like you have to be more than what you are just to survive.”

My throat tightened. “Yeah,” I whispered.

His breath stirred the hair at the nape of my neck, and I swore his lips brushed my skin again—soft, yet enough to make heat curl low in my stomach.

“You make me forget,” he said quietly. “For a little while at least.”

I swallowed hard. “Forget what?”

“That my life is not my own. That I’m not as strong as I should be.”

I turned slightly, just enough to glance back at him. His face was barely visible in the dark, but his eyes glinted—not the sharp lavender I was used to, but something softer.

“Youarestrong,” I whispered.

His fingers curled against my side, tightening like he was afraid to let go. “Not when I’m around you,” he said, his voice rough. “With you...I just want to be something else.”

I wanted to say something clever and meaningful, but words felt too awkward at that moment. Instead, I let myself sink back against him, trusting the steady rise and fall of his chest behind me.

“I know how to keep you safe,” Zander murmured, his voice barely more than a breath.

“How?” I whispered.