The words came out so softly that Cassius almost didn't hear them.
For a moment, neither of them moved. Marionette's arms remained loosely wrapped around his neck.
Her eyes looked unfocused, yet strangely vulnerable.
Something in his chest tightened.
The anger that had followed him all evening suddenly felt ridiculous.
Marionette lowered her head until their foreheads touched.
Her movement was small and purely on instinct, like she was searching for comfort without realizing it.
Cassius closed his eyes briefly. Just for a second. Her warmth bled through his clothes, soft and insistent against his cold restraint.
When he opened them, she was already drifting. Half asleep and half lost to wine. His hand rose and brushed a loose strand of hair away from her cheek. His thumb lingere
