Page 176 of Creep

Mael wrapped his arms around me, pulling me in close to his body.

I shivered, suddenly feeling cold, but not from the chilly weather outside… everything just felt dark and tainted, and I didn’t know what to do or think anymore.

* * *

My conversationwith Mael stayed with me for the rest of the day and night, making it impossible for me to fall asleep.

I tossed and turned on my side of the bed before Mael wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in close to his body.

“Can’t sleep?” he muttered against my skin.

“I can’t seem to turn my brain off,” I said.

“I know how you feel.”

I turned and faced him in the dark. I could vaguely make out his features from the city lights that shone through the window. “You don’t seem to sleep much,” I said.

“Guess my body’s just used to functioning on little sleep,” he answered. I was sure it had something to do with his upbringing. Hard to allow his mind to let go of everything when he was constantly on high alert.

“That’s not good.”

He shrugged. “I’m used to it.”

“Can you hold me?” I asked. It wasn’t like Mael was in bed with me because he was sleepy. I was convinced he was only here to make sure I was okay.

“You never have to ask,” he said, pulling me in closer to him.

I felt my heart relaxing as we lay there, my head on his chest, my face turned toward the window.

I saw the first snowfall.

I gasped. Mael let out a light chuckle.

“How beautiful,” I said.

Snow had always been pretty, but with how high up we were, it felt like we were in our own little world.

It felt like we were in a snow globe. Tears stung my eyes, and I didn’t know what to make of it. Why was I reacting like this?

“If only we could stay like this forever,” I said, my voice hoarse. His arms tightened around me a bit more.

“I know, baby. I know everything feels bad right now, but it will get better.”

“You promise?”

I felt him press his lips to the top of my head. “I promise.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

We didn’t say much after that as we watched the snow fall. I let out a small yawn, feeling that restless energy abating enough for my mind to crave sleep.

“Mael?” I whispered, feeling myself close to drifting off.

“Yeah?” he responded, his voice soft.

“I love you.”

And then I let sleep take over, but not before I heard his sharp intake of breath.

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