Maximus's POV
For one terrifying heartbeat, the world stopped.
Her body was so still beneath my arm, so quiet, I swore I felt the cold breath of death brush against my skin.
Not again.
Not her.
My heart thundered so violently I thought it would rip free from my chest. The curse had always been merciless—every woman I touched was doomed. And last night… last night I hadn’t just touched her. I had claimed her in every way I knew how. The thought that my hunger, my need, might have taken her from me—
A low groan broke the silence.
I jerked upright.
“Maximus…” Her voice was a sleepy rasp, soft as a sigh. Then, with a hint of irritation, she mumbled, “Get away from me. You didn’t let me sleep until the early hours of the morning. I’m tired… and now you won’t let me sleep?”
Relief hit
