Page 149 of The Dragon's Gambit

“No, actually. I don’t know how long this trip will take, so I INSIST that you stay with Brody tonight. We don’t need any promiscuous travel plans.” Reiya giggled as Chelsie’s face turned radish red.

“I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep,” Dex said, looking at Reiya.

“No, that isn’t necessary.” Reiya didn’t want to bother anyone. She was fine. At least she thought she was.

Dex smiled. “I know it isn’t necessary. Call it me spending time with you before your trip. I won’t be in this kingdom forever either, so I need to absorb my friend time.” No matter what she said and no matter what front she put on, he knew better. She was hurting and nervous, even if she didn’t realize it. When he was rejected, he put on a brave front, too. He recognized the signs. He would stay with her until he was certain she was able to stay asleep. It was the only way he could help right now.

“Wait a minute. You trust having Dex with her behind closed doors?” Weston arched his eyebrows and glanced around at everyone.

“Yes, we do.” Xander shrugged and watched Weston open his mouth.

“What about me?”

“No,” everyone said tersely, in unison.

“Hey! I wouldn’t touch her. Especially knowing her mate is Leviathan. Give my self-preservation more credit than that,” Weston chuckled.

“Well, we have an early morning. Reiya, why don’t you go ahead and head to bed? We’re just going to finalize a few more details.” Xander could see how exhausted she looked after having drained her energy.

“Thanks. I think I’ll do that.”

Reiya shut the door to her bedroom. This would be her first night in here without Lee. She made the quiet walk over to the bed and slid into the cool covers. It was never cool in the bed before, because Lee always made it warm with his body heat. Her fingertips brushed the empty, soft pillow beside her, tracing over the area where his head would lay. She grasped it tightly with her fingers and raised it up to her face, taking in his scent. The room felt empty. Her chest tightened as she laid her head down, holding the pillow in her hands. Like a tidal wave, the emotions rolled over her.

It’s only temporary. We’re going to get him back, one way or another.Reiya felt the sting in her nose, and she bit her bottom lip to fight the sadness creeping in.

We will get our mate back, Reiya. No matter how we have to go about it,Lumi said threateningly.

Mm-hmm,Reiya answered quietly as she inhaled a deep breath of cool air. How had she become so dependent on Lee already that a night away from him felt like an eternity?

The creaking sound of the door echoed in the room, and she heard the gentle sound of the door latching. Quiet footsteps approached the bed, and a metal chair was plopped down near her. She opened her eyes to see the moonlight shining on Dex’s face. She offered him a small smile.

“I know you said otherwise, but I think you could still use the company tonight.” Dex smiled back at her knowingly.

“Thank you.”

“Just make sure your mate doesn’t roast me when he returns for being in his bedroom alone with his mate.” Dex winked at Reiya, who giggled quietly.

“I think he’ll be grateful to you for taking care of me.”

“Try to get some sleep. I’ll be right here.”

She closed her eyes. She could sense his presence and could hear him breathing. Surprisingly, it did help. It was calming, having another person near her. She was very grateful to him. She didn’t realize it until she was back in her bedroom alone, but it was hard. She appreciated his thoughtfulness.

She squeezed Lee’s pillow into her chest.Don’t worry, my Lee. I’ll be coming for you soon, she quietly thought to herself as a crystal tear trickled from her eye.

Because she was so exhausted, and with the help of Dex’s presence, she managed to fall asleep. Dex listened to the sound of her rhythmic breathing and smiled.

“Sleep well, princess,” he whispered, barely audible in the dark. Instead of leaving, though, he remained sitting in the chair, watching over her as she slept. Just in case she woke up, he wanted to be there for her.

Chapter 91 The Departure

Just before the sun began to rise, Reiya opened her eyes to her dark room, surprised to see that she wasn’t alone. Dex had remained with her all night and was gently snoring in the chair he had fallen asleep in. She sat up and smiled at him. It hadto be incredibly uncomfortable, but he stayed to take care of her. She scooted to the edge of the bed and dangled her feet over the side. She slowly reached a finger out and pushed it into his arm. His eyes immediately shot open and settled on her.

“Thank you for staying with me.”

“Is everything okay? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s morning.” Reiya glanced over at the still-dull sky outside.