Scarlett's POV
We stayed in the same bed together, tangled in silence, until exhaustion dragged me down. Before I knew it, I was curled in his arms. My head rested against his chest, his heartbeat steady beneath my ear.
For the first time, I felt secure and protected, so I let all my guards down and allowed myself to close my eyes in his embrace.
I didn't know when sleep claimed me, but when it did, it wasn't peaceful. Nightmares pressed in, looming around my mind, making me believe that the events were just a product of my imagination, that I was still bonded with Alexander, that he still had me wrapped tightly in his hands.
I jolted awake, gasping, my body drenched in sweat.
The room was dim, moonlight spilling across the floor. My eyes suddenly fell on the window and happened to ca
