Chapter 36

Hours pass, as tired as I am I simply couldn't sleep. The nagging feeling bothering me, like I just needed to get something off my chest.

Eventually I give up on sleep and turn over, staring at Hardin as he sleeps. This is the first time I've ever been able to watch him sleep next to me, it's quiet calming. I watch him for a while, the room pitch black but I could see perfectly fine, the nagging feeling growing stronger.

Exhaling heavily, I fling the sheets off me and move closer to Hardin. Resting my arm over his stomach, I lay on my side facing him, nuzzling my face into his shoulder. His breathing is heavy as he sleeps, mouth slightly parted, so it takes me by surprise when his hand rests over mine. As if somehow in his unconscious state, he's aware of my movements.

My heart warms, that same feeling returning.

For the first time all night, I close my eyes and feel the tiredness slowly taking over. I begin to drift, when it strikes me.

My eyes snap open, and I immediately sit up as