No matter how the rest of our night unfolded, I would survive, with or without him. Casek eventually rolled to his side and pulled the covers over us before hoisting my back into his front, his heavy arm draped over my middle. Stillness settled over the darkened room.“I can go back to my place if you’d prefer,” I said quietly, unsure what he was thinking. I didn’t want him to think I was clingy or unable to manage on my own. His arm tightened. “Get some sleep, Ash. Everything else can wait.” The sound of my nickname on his lips silenced me. I nodded, and once my mind settled, the overwhelming security of having Casek wrapped around me carried me easily into a deep, dreamless sleep. OceanofPDF.com Chapter Thirteen OceanofPDF.com CASEK I lay awake long after Ashley’s breathing became slow an
