James studied her as she slept, no bruises, no scars, just peace. He eased onto the bed beside her, careful to leave space, and shut his eyes for what felt like a second. Then his fingers brushed his.
His eyes snapped open. She flinched.
“Hey,” he turned toward her, voice rough. “How’re you feeling?”
“Better,” she murmured, those blue eyes locking onto his. “Thanks for… you know.”
“Get more sleep,” James said, shifting like he might leave.
Her hand caught his. “Stay. Please. I don’t want to be alone yet.”
James smiled. “Nobody’s getting to you here. Sleep.” His thumb grazed her cheek. She exhaled, drifting off again.
Morning came. She padded to the bathroom, found a box on the towels, a dress inside. The mirror stopped her cold. Blood crusted in her hair, smudged on her skin, but th
