Page 41 of Charming the Dragon
Hayley, stop it.At this rate, having him so close meant she’d never fall asleep. Claiming a different bunk would put distance between them, since Nathan would probably stay by the door.
And yet, she needed to be situated close to the door in case she felt closed in.
You’re a grown woman. You can handle it.“Fine, you can sleep in the bed above mine. But if you start snoring, I’m going to throw a pillow at you.”
He smiled. “Noted.” His face returned to a neutral expression. “I’ll make something for dinner whilst you find us some clothes and maybe towels. Come to the kitchen when you’re done.” He searched her gaze and added, “Or for any reason. Call my name, and I’ll come running, Hayley. I promise.”
For a second, she stared, wondering what it would be like to always have Nathan at her back.
She quickly pushed the thought aside and bobbed her head. Nathan gave her one last, long look before he exited. With a sigh, Hayley removed her glasses and rubbed her eyes. It was going to be a bloody long night.
However, that was later. For now, she went looking for clothing and toiletries. Keeping busy would distract her from thinking about being underground. And if she were lucky, it would also keep her from thinking about Nathan sleeping right above her later that night.
Chapter Twelve
Apiercing scream woke up Nathan. He jolted upright, scanned the room, and didn’t see any threats.
But then there was another scream, and he realized it was coming from below him. From Hayley.
He jumped down and found her twisting and turning in her sheets, crying, and begging to be let out.Fuck.She had to be reliving the memory of being locked inside a trunk.
Slowly, he crouched down and said, “Hayley, love, you’re safe. Open your eyes, and I’ll be here. There’s no bastard cousin, no trunk, just me.”
Her cries turned into whimpers, but her body calmed a little. So he kept talking. “Hayley, come back to me, love. We’re going to do some more exploring soon, remember? Don’t you want to ride my dragon as we swim across the lake? Maybe find some sunshine to bask in? The food might be shite, but you have your tea and chocolate. You can have anything if you just open your eyes for me.”
She settled a little more, but still gripped the sheets with her fingers. He reached out his hand and stopped just shy of touching her brow, afraid it might make things worse.
His dragon spoke up.Try it. She’s still crying, and I don’t like it.
As gently as he could, Nathan lightly stroked her forehead. When she didn’t flinch or bat him away, he continued caressing her warm, slightly damp skin, over and over, until her whimpers settled down and she stopped crying.
“Shh, you’re safe, Hayley. No one will ever try to lock you up again, I vow it. I’ll protect you. Always.”
She turned her face toward him but didn’t open her eyes. Nathan stroked down the side of her face, to her cheek, and wiped away her tears with his thumb. “You’re safe, Hayley. Either wake up or go to sleep. Either way, I’ll watch over you.”
Her hand shot out and landed on his bare chest. Ignoring the jolt of heat at her touch, he placed his other hand over hers. “Yes, I’m here.”
She murmured, “Stay with me, Nathan. Please.”
“Are you awake, love?”
“Nathan. Please.”
His dragon spoke up.Hold her until she falls asleep. It’s almost as if she knows we’re her true mate and will never let anyone harm her.
Even though he wasn’t quite sure he agreed with his dragon’s thoughts, Nathan brought Hayley’s hand to his lips and kissed her palm. “Do you want me to hold you?”
“Yes.”
Slowly he crawled into bed with Hayley, but stayed atop the covers. As soon as he laid down, she snuggled into his chest and sighed.
As she calmed and her breathing evened out, he hugged her closer and kissed the top of her head. He hated how she was reliving a nightmare, and he couldn’t do anything to keep it away. However, as he continued to comfort her, his resolve to find a way out of this bloody place only grew stronger.
His dragon spoke up.We will. But for now, just hold our female close and watch over her.
She’s not ours.
Not yet.
