Page 185 of No Need to Run

---

My fingers curl lightly into the fabric of the back of his shirt. My head rests lightly against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing against me.

He sighs, tightening his grip as though he never wants to let go.

I smile against his neck.

Even in his sleep, he reaches for me.

I yawn and close my eyes.

This is what I’ve always wanted.

And now that I have this... I’m not letting go.

40

DREW

The first thingI register is something warm pressed against me.

I’m still halfway asleep when I shift closer instead of away.

It feels… good.

Natural.

That’s what wakes me up.

My eyes open slowly.

The room is dim, the TV playing quietly in the background.

Everything clicks into place… except that there is someone in my arms.

My body goes still.

I don’t move. Don’t breathe.

Because I already know before I look down.

But I do anyway.

Violet is curled against me. I swallow hard, staring down at the top of her head, her hair spilling across my arm, soft against my skin.

My arm is wrapped around her, keeping her close.

When I shift slightly, I feel it.

I look down to find my leg hooked over hers, holding her in place.

My chest tightens.

She’s still asleep.

Curled into me like she belongs there.

Like this is normal and not completely insane.

I should move.

---