Page 47 of Death, Interrupted

My own eyes started to burn with tiredness, but I didn’t want to shift her. I leaned back into the couch, careful not to break the hold we had on each other, and eased us into a more comfortable position. She curledin closer, her legs pulling up slightly as she nestled against me, and I draped one arm along her side to keep her there.

Eventually, my body gave in. The last thing I felt before I slipped under was her steady breathing against my chest and the warmth of her pressed into me.

I woke the next morning with sunlight on my face.

We must’ve shifted during the night because we were lying on the couch, her pressed against me, back to the cushions. My arms were wrapped around her, holding her close, and her face was tucked into my chest. She was still asleep, breathing slow and even, and one hand was still curled tightly in the sleeve of my sweater, like she needed to make sure I wouldn’t leave.

I would never have left in the middle of the night. I didn’t even consider it. She had asked me to stay, and I did. I would do it again anytime she needed me.

My left arm was pinned beneath her neck, feeling just a little numb. My other arm was wrapped around her waist, with my hand resting on her lower back. The blanket had slipped down toward our feet, and even though she didn’t seem cold, I tugged it back up over her. Her hair had fallen across her face, and I lifted a few strands to see her properly.

She looked calm, almost fragile, and I told myself to stay still and not wake her. I’d hate myself if Idisturbed her. Carefully, I cupped her cheek and ran my thumb along her cheekbone. My eyes burned from sleep, but I didn’t want to close them. I stayed there, watching her, memorizing every detail of her face.

Her stomach growled before her eyes opened, and I waited for her to look at me before I spoke.

“Good morning,” I whispered, my voice raspy.

She blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted to the light. When they finally met mine, I couldn’t stop a small grin. “Shit…I really wish I knew what green looked like.”

Half-asleep, she scrunched her nose and covered her hand with mine, pushing it over her eyes. I chuckled and let her have a moment. When she finally lowered both our hands, she covered her mouth with her hand and yawned.

“Maybe you should get one of those colorblind glasses,” she mumbled.

“There’s such a thing?” I asked, furrowing my brows.

She nodded, still half-drowsy, with her gaze soft. “I saw videos of people trying them. They’re pretty expensive, though.”

“Hm,” I said, considering it. The cost didn’t matter if it meant seeing her eyes the way they really were. I’d figure it out.

“You’re still here,” she said, her voice soft, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“Of course I am.” I cupped her cheek gently and leaned in, pressing a careful kiss to her forehead.

I didn’t think about asking first, and she didn’t flinch or pull away. Instead, she leaned into me, wrapping one leg around mine.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her eyes locked on mine.

“For what?”

“For showing me that sleeping can be something good.”

A flash of anger shot through me at the thought of all the nights she had gone without rest, living in fear. My jaw tightened instinctively.

Her hand came up, resting on my jaw. “Don’t. I don’t want you to be angry because of him. You’ve already done so much to get me away from him. I don’t want you worrying anymore. I’m safe because of you. Remember that.”

She was right.

Holding onto anger wouldn’t change the past. It still hurt, knowing how much she had endured, but I couldn’t let it control me now. The gentle smile tugging at her lips broke through the tension in my chest.

“We should go get breakfast. I’m hungry,” she suggested.

“Good.” I returned her smile and brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I know a good spot.”

Chapter 17

Sumner

After we’d both taken quick showers and gotten dressed, we headed downstairs to where April was parked. Even though I’d seen her before, the sight still stopped me for a second. The bike was big, heavy, and dangerous-looking. Everything about it screamed power and risk. And somehow, it fit Sly perfectly. I couldn’t even imagine him in a car.