I came into consciousness ever so slowly, one aching body part at a time. Warmth enclosed me from all directions - the furry blanket, the blazing fire, and the column of hard muscle I'd tucked myself against on the couch. Archer, sound asleep from his heavy breaths. I couldn't remember him coming back in last night, but I was glad he'd parked himself next to me. He'd wrapped his arm around me and held me tightly to him while we'd both slept, and I felt so safe next to him. I wished we could sleep like this more often.
My hand was splayed across his bare chest, the steady thrum of a heartbeat beneath my palm. I traced it lightly and pretended I could move the pieces of his broken heart back together. No wonder he'd left last night after I'd brought up Ronin. After thinking he'd killed not
