I wait for him to get under the covers with me, aching to feel his warmth. But he doesn’t.
Instead, he tucks me under them securely and settles next to me on top of the covers.
So .?.?. there’s no touching.
I turn to face him. “I’m not afraid to sleep alone, you know.”
“Does that mean you want me to leave?”
I shake my head.
“Good. Close your eyes.”
When I do, Wilder moves closer. It’s quiet for a moment, then a whisper, “Rose?”
“Hmm?”
“Your secret’s safe with me.” Kissing my temple, he adds, “And so are you.”
16
Wilder
Soft, easy breaths ghost across my collarbone. Her weight against my chest, while delicate, grounds me to the bed.
I don’t want to get up.
But it’s Monday morning. I was due on the field an hour ago. But hell, the ranch could be going up in flames and I’d reason with myself that the guys can handle it.
I slept maybe three hours—good enough for me. But Rose, had to be a solid five—not enough. I watched her for an hour after she fell asleep in my arms.
How did I miss the signs of trauma?
How did Wesley miss them? I try to resettle the anger pulsing through my veins and suck in a slow, calming breath.
The room smells like lavender and something purely .?.?. Rose. The dim morning light seeps through the thin curtains of her bedroom, turning everything a pale gold.
My jaw clenches as I look down at her, wishing to hell there was something else I could do. I swipe loose strands of hair from across her cheek and forehead.
I watch her as I gently drag my hand down her arm, flickingmy gaze to the pink lines there.
She’s safe. Curled up against me, her small hand on my ribs like it’s her favorite place to touch me, like she belongs there.
Who the hell am I to argue? Because look at her. It’s a goddamn miracle how peaceful she looks, knowing the demons that haunt her every night.
Twisting, I drag a hand down my face, careful not to wake her.
I shouldn’t want to be her savior. I shouldn’t want her, period.
But I do.
Christ, I do. I’m sick to my stomach with the need to keep her just like this. Untouched, unharmed, un .?.?. assaulted.
She didn’t say as much but it’s clear she feels ruined by it all.
Maybe I wasn’t part of her life then, but it doesn’t matter. Someone should have been there for her. Someone should have known what she went through. Anger burns my chest for something neither of us can help.
And like the coward I am, all I can do is lie here and pretend. Pretend that for one night, she’s mine to protect.
