Page 158 of Psycho

I didn’t knowwhen I had fallen asleep, but by the time consciousness finally made its way into my mind, I was aware that I was lying on my stomach on the couch, a throw blanket over me.

I didn't know what it was that woke me up until I heard the click of the lock.

I didn’t move when the front door opened, though the man sitting next to me did.

“Hey, you’re home. How is everything?” Roman asked softly.

“Settled. I’ll tell you more tomorrow, okay? Why don’t you go back home to Ryleigh and Ryker?”

I could feel my heart reacting to the sound of Micah’s voice.

He was back home with me.

Thank fuck.

The couch cushions shifted when Roman stood. I kept my eyes closed as Micah walked Roman to the front door, their voices nothing more than soft murmurs in the surrounding space. Then the door clicked closed, bringing with it silence once more.

I waited, counting my heartbeats.

Five heartbeats later, I heard Micah’s footsteps.

He stood in front of me, in front of the couch, and I forced myself not to do anything.

Then slowly, he lifted me up in his arms.

I shifted and buried my face in his chest when I estimated him to be about halfway to the bedroom.

He paused, and I looked up and met his gray eyes.

“You’re awake,” he stated, his voice about as emotional as if he were talking about the weather.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled myself up so our faces were closer together.

He didn’t say anything to that, and for a brief moment, it felt as if he was leaning toward me as well, but then he started walking again.

We were silent as he made his way to the bedroom, and after pulling back the covers, he plopped me down on the bed.

I sat there, watched him go into the walk-in closet, and come out shortly after with one of his t-shirts that I usually wore to bed.

He undressed me methodically.

There was nothing sexual about it. Even so, I felt a stirring of heat deep inside me as my nipples tightened when he unhooked my bra.

He pulled the fabric off me, his eyes briefly moving to my breasts before he quickly put the shirt on me.

I blinked, feeling disappointed.

I should have been thankful that he was leaving me alone, especially with what I went through earlier, but I felt safe with him. I didn’t want him to treat me any differently just because of whatcouldhave happened

I could only watch him as he gently pushed me down until I was lying on the bed.

He tucked me in snugly as if I was a child, incapable of doing it myself.

“Go to sleep, Lainey,” he said, and for the first time, I detected a hint of tiredness in his voice. Micah had always been so strong and sure. I’d almost forgotten that he was human and could still be afflicted with flaws—like getting tired.

I cupped his cheek.

He held still for me.

---