44|It’s Not About You

~Klaus~

“Sleep,” Rylee murmured. “Our problem will still be there when we wake up. Don’t worry.”

Her infectious giggles drew out a deep chuckle from my chest. She tossed a leg over mine, seeking a comfortable position in my arms.

‘God… I’m in love with you, Rose,’ it was there on the tip of my tongue, itching to drawl out as I drew her as close as possible. Something inside me was holding me back; a tiny string with the vigor of an anchor rode, restraining those words from sailing out of my mouth.

“Thank you,” I said instead, kissing the top of her head. “For staying when everyone left.”

Rylee hummed; her breathing got shallower by the second. “They left not because they hate you, Klaus.”

“I know, and that makes me feel shittier about myself. I don’t deserve them.” My throat tightens with guilt. “I don’t deserve you.”

If she heard me, she didn’t comment on it. I fell asleep thinking about how my life made a complete 360 shift in two days.

~~

Rylee and I landed in Catania hand in hand