I stayed completely still in Lewis's arms, not even blinking too hard, because he was the kind of man who could feel a lie through skin.
His body was warm around mine. Steady. Protective. And it made what I'd heard feel even crueler.
Something heavy pressed on my chest, like my ribs were too small for my heart. I clutched the corner of my pajamas and swallowed the sound that wanted to break out of me. I refused to cry where he could hear it.
Lewis was exhausted. That was the only reason he fell asleep quickly.
When his breathing finally evened out, slow and deep, my tears slid down silently. I stared into the darkness and wondered how many nights he'd stayed awake, watching me sleep until morning, carrying all that pain alone.
Lewis… let me be the one to protect you this time.
I eased out of bed and moved like a shadow, careful not to disturb him. My feet barely made a sound on the floor.
