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Margot

After soaking in the bath, Matty brings me some sweats, as well as a pair of his boxer briefs and a pair of my panties to choose from.

I choose the boxers.

Because I need his comfort. Because I need the familiarity. Because I need to follow his ridiculous rules.

Because I need him.

He doesn’t say anything about it. Doesn’t read into it.

None of it has been sexual. Even with his hands on me, washing me, dressing me, there was no sexual current. But it was intimate.

And that’s what I needed. Comfort. Tenderness. Not passion, not heat. Just him taking care of me.

I lie on top of him in our bed. He’s stroking my back, calmingly. Every so often, he presses a kiss to my hair. Nothing rushed. Nothing forced. Just Matty, grounding me, holding me together when I feel like I could still break apart.

I don’t know where I’d be if it weren’t for him .

Don’t think of that.

I press my cheek against his chest, listening to the slow, steady beat of his heart.

You’re here now. In his arms. He saved you. He protected you. And now he’s taking care of you.

You are his, but he’s also yours.

You can think of it tomorrow. Today, just breathe.

I let my eyes drift shut.

***

I must fall asleep, because when I open my eyes, the room is dark.

Matty’s voice is soft as his hand brushes my cheek.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he murmurs, lightly shaking me. “I don’t want to wake you, but do you think you can eat something? You haven’t had anything since breakfast.”

There’s so much concern in his voice. So much care. And as much as I want to ease it, I can’t. The thought of food makes my stomach twist.

“I’m not hungry,” I whisper, my voice thick with exhaustion. “I’m sorry.”

Matty immediately shakes his head. “No, sweetheart. It’s okay. We’re going at your pace.” He presses a kiss to my temple. “I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

His warmth surrounds me, protecting me.

I let myself sink back into him. Into the comfort of his arms. Into the safety I only feel with him.

And this time, when I close my eyes, I sleep dreamlessly.