Ashley's POV
When I opened my eyes again, I realized I was lying on the familiar large bed in the master bedroom. The air no longer carried Brian's aggressive scent; instead, it was replaced by a calm, crisp fragrance, like a winter pine forest right after snowfall.
It was Hebert.
Sitting on the chair by the bed, he held a book in his hand. The soft lighting in the room cast a warm shadow over his sharp, chiseled profile. As soon as he noticed I was stirring, he closed the book and looked at me with those deep, unreadable eyes that held a hint of concern.
"You're awake."
"Brian..." I tried to prop myself up, but the sharp pain in my stomach and the ache in my chest made it almost unbearable to breathe. "Does he... does he know?"
"Don't worry," Hebert stood, gently but f
