Page 34 of Sachie's Hero

She lifted a shoulder and let it fall. “It’s more a fear of closing my eyes. When I do, it’s like my eyelids are a screen in a cinema, and the film is the same one every time.”

“That day in your office?” he asked softly.

She nodded. “I haven’t slept all night since. I get anxious when I think about going to bed. I know I need rest, but there’s nothing restful about closing myeyes. I lay for a long time, fighting sleep, fighting the inevitable.” She grimaced. “But that’s not your problem. You just need me to go inside so you can.” She nodded. “I’ll go.” When she reached for the doorknob on the French door, his hand covered hers.

“Would it help if I stayed with you?” he asked. “Maybe if you’re not alone, you could sleep more peacefully.”

“You’d do that? I’m pretty sure that’s not part of your job description.”

“No, but I know what it’s like to be afraid to close your eyes, to be forced to relive, over and over, an event so horrific it steals a piece of your soul every time.”

She held his gaze, noting the shadows beneath his eyes and the intensity of truth in the set of his jaw. The man had been a soldier on a Delta Force team. He’d seen violence, death and heartache. He understood what was happening to her.

“If it makes you feel better, I’ll stay with you only until you go to sleep.” He held up his hands. “This isn’t an offer to make love. It’s an offer from one friend to another. A friend who’s been there.”

She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. If she had him stay with her until she went to sleep, would she actually go to sleep or lie awake wishing his offer was to make love? Then she could stay awake all nightcompletely occupied and too busy exploring every inch of his incredible body to sink into her nightmare.

Or she could suck it up, go to bed on her own and avoid the temptation that was this Delta Force soldier who made her feel more alive than she had in... well...forever.

“Okay,” she said.

“Okay, you want me to stay until you go to sleep? Or okay, get lost, don’t be ridiculous, I’m a badass and can sleep on my own without some cocky son of a bitch babysitting me.” He grinned.

Her lips curved upward in a smile. “Okay, I’d like for you to stay until I go to sleep. Maybe having someone with me will keep the dreams away.”

“All right then,” he slid a hand beneath her elbow and guided her to her door. “Let’s prove the theory.”

CHAPTER 9

Sachie precededhim into the bedroom and stood awkwardly while he closed the door and secured the lock.

When he turned, he glanced around the room. “Okay. No chair, no problem.” He nodded toward the bed. “You can assume the sleeping position. I can stand close or sit on the floor. Either way, I’m here for you.”

Sachie pulled back the comforter, climbed into bed and settled back against the pillow. Her gaze never left Teller as he wandered around the room, pretending an interest in the paintings on the wall.

“You can’t just stand there. I won’t be able to sleep knowing you’re unable to rest.”

“Then I’ll sit on the floor.” He dropped down where he stood.

From where she lay on the bed, Sachie had to lean up on her elbow to see him. “I can’t see you down there. You might as well not be here. Really, I’ll be fine alone.” She stared at him, her eyes narrowing. “Unless you want to sit on the bed. There’s enough room for both of us.” She moved over. “Your choice. If you’re regretting your offer, don’t worry about it. I’ve been dealing with it for the past week.” She lay back against the pillow and stared up at the ceiling, prepared to keep her eyes open as long as she could.

Teller rose to his feet and stared down at her. “Anyone ever tell you that you’re stubborn?”

“After many years, I’ve learned to be,” she said, refusing to meet his gaze. “Self-preservation at its best.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see him frown and glance down at the bed.

“Are you sure about this?” Teller asked.

“If you’re going to be here until I go to sleep, yes.” She tugged the comforter up to her neck. “I’m not closing my eyes until I can’t hold them open a moment longer. That might take a minute.”

The bed sank as Teller sat on the edge and kicked off his running shoes. He raised his legs and lay them over the comforter beneath which Sachie lay.

Even if she wanted to get closer to him, she couldn’t without digging herself out from under the blanket with his body weighing it down.

Teller clasped his hands behind his neck and leaned back against the headboard. “Do you want to talk or would you rather have silence?”

“We could talk for a while,” she said. “At least until I get sleepy.”

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