Chapter 74: Change Is Unnecessary
Reese
Elizabeth wasn’t asleep.
I could tell by the way her breathing stayed light and relaxed, even as her face remained pressed against my chest. My fingers moved slowly through her hair, twisting the soft strands in gentle, repetitive motions.
The first time I’d done it earlier tonight, she had sighed so deeply it felt like something inside her had finally let go. So I kept doing it—slow, steady strokes that seemed to anchor her to me.
Over and over again.
Not because I thought she needed it, but because I realized, somewhere along the way, that maybe I did. Because this—this right here—wasn’t something I was used to.
Not even close.
She had grown quiet, her body relaxed against mine, each breath deep and even. But I knew she was still awake.
