Chapter 61

Annelise's POV

I wasn't sure if he would do what I had just asked, but I heard his breath hitch. I almost palmed my own face, wondering why I had asked that question.

All I knew was that I was cold, and I hadn't intended to ask him that; it just came out.

He didn't reply with words, but his actions spoke clearly.

I felt myself being turned around and then spooned by him. I was shocked at first that he was actually holding me.

My head rested directly beneath his chin, and his strong arms wrapped around me, making me feel safe and comfortable.

I eventually relaxed in his hold, and my breathing normalized. Ethan and I didn't speak until I drifted off to sleep again.

~

I woke up feeling something strong holding me down. Having gotten used to sleeping alone, I initially freaked out, but I relaxed again when I caught the familiar scent I was beginning to get used to.

His embrace was warm and unchanged from before I fell asleep, as if neither of us had moved during the night.

I didn’t turn a