Aubree’s POV
Minutes passed in quiet breathing and unspoken thoughts.
Then Abel shifted behind me, sliding closer until his chest was warm against my back again.
“Bree,” he murmured, voice rumbling, “lie down. You’re exhausted.”
I hesitated.
Carter spoke softly. “We won’t crowd you.”
Abel rolled his eyes. “Speak for yourself.”
“Abel,” Carter warned.
I sighed — a soft, fragile sound.
“Both of you… stop.”
They froze.
I lay back slowly, resting my head on the pillow.
Carter lay down next to me, facing me, giving me space but close enough that I could feel his warmth.
Abel lay on the other side, on his back at first — stiff, nervous, overthinking.
I reached out and touched both of their arms.
“Come here,” I whispered.
That broke them.
Carter inhaled sharply and moved closer, s
