Page 71 of King of My Heart

We both held our breaths, and he looked surprised that he even outed those words so casually.

His jaw ticked, and his grip tightened as he swallowed hard. “I love you, and if this trip has done anything, it’s deepening what I feel for you. But I’m really trying hard herenot to get us in trouble, all right? So you have to forgive me for not giving you the devotion you deserve. I don’t want Julian to question things.”

I swallowed, my heart pounding as I searched his face. He meant it. Every word. His words settled deep inside my chest, where I would keep them forever.

I managed a nod, then whispered, “Okay, that’s…uh, fair, I guess.”

He chuckled and loosened his grip on my jaw, sliding his fingers down my throat. “Glad we’re on the same page about that.” He leaned in and kissed me. Softly, faintly, then he stepped away. “And you don’t have to say it back. It’s written all over your pretty face that you’re in love with me, too.”

Pursing my lips, I felt my cheeks turn bright red.

God, he was just so…proud.

Proud to love me and proud to be loved by me.

He left the bedroom without giving me another chance to keep him here.

I watched him go back to the couch, and when he gave me a sharp glare, silently telling me to close the door, I did and dragged myself to bed.

***

Three hours later, I was still awake, unable to sleep. My thoughts kept circling back to Caspian—how close he was, just outside the bedroom.

I needed to see him.

Especially after his confession, I wanted to be close to him.

Besides, what fun was it to not sneak around?

Without making a sound, I slid out of bed and tiptoed to the door, easing it open just enough to peek out into the hallway. Everything was still. There was no sound coming from down thehall, and no light was glowing. I knew Julian slept like a rock. My urge to be with Caspian was too strong to stay in bed and close my eyes.

Barefoot, I stepped out of the room, my heart pounding in my chest as I moved toward the living room. The floor creaked beneath me, but I continued until I reached the couch.

I hesitate only for a second before stepping in front of it, looking down at Caspian.

He was lying on his back, but at the sound of me shifting on my feet, he stirred.

“Darwynn?” His voice was rough with sleep.

“Yes, it’s me,” I whispered, stepping closer.

I could barely make out his face in the darkened room, but for some reason, I knew he was frowning. “What are you doing?” he asked, sounding grumpy as he sat up.

I reached down to hook my hand around his arm. “I missed you,” I admitted. “Come to bed with me.”

There was a pause, and I thought he was getting ready to push me away. But then he exhaled and sat up, rubbing his face with one hand. “You’re going to get us in trouble.”

I smirked, even though he couldn’t see it. “Only if we get caught.”

He grunted as he got up, taking a quick glance down the hallway. “How deep does he sleep?”

“Very. Even deeper than me,” I told him silently. “Come on.”

It took him another moment before finally giving in and letting me take him to the bedroom.

Once we were inside, I closed the door behind us and headed to the bed. We got in, and he immediately pulled me against him.

His hand flexed flat on my stomach. His body was pressed against my back, and I breathed in deeply to let him understand just how comfortable I was in his arms.

---