Page 38 of Uncrowned

Danger didn’t exist.

Not when I held to the emotions that came with the voice I’d spent months communicating with.

Praying for.

Biting my lip, I paused, risking to move a small amount lower. I was in-between his ribs, even with his abs. I knew from the feel that they were just as defined and muscular as his chest. Breaths deepened under my touch, and I stopped, lifting my hand as guilt swarmed me.

“I’m so sorry. I… I’m sorry. I’ve never—I mean—I had no right.” Mortification made my cheeks burn from embarrassment.

“It’s not the most horrible way to wake up.”

Hotter, I burned.

“You’re here. I didn’t hear you come back. Are you planning to sleep here with me every night?”

“If I’m able.”

I sat up, wincing at the pain. I squeezed my hand, surprised.

“No cuffs. And my IV is out.”

“I took it out while you were sleeping. How do you feel?”

“Like I got hit by a train.”

“Sounds accurate. I got you some pills to take if it becomes too much. Unfortunately, the IV was the only thing on hand at first. It was that or nothing.”

“I didn’t mind it so much. It really helped, and I appreciate it. Can I take my mask off?”

“You can.”

I loosened and pulled the mask free. The room was pitch black making me wonder if I had taken it off at all.

“It is dark in here, right? I’m not blind? I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the darkness like this.”

“I like the dark.”

I smiled. “I can’t see a thing. If you had it this dark, why even put my mask on?”

“It wasn’t dark the entire time. Come back down here.”

V was sliding me down to face him before I could think to argue. He pulled me into his arms, wrapping himself around me, cautious of my injured side.

“What are you doing?”

“Feeling.”

I tilted my head back to look at him; despite I couldn’t see. “Feeling what?”

“This. How you fit. What do you think?”

My lids narrowed, and my lips pressed together. I brought my head down to the crook of his arm, coming even with his chest. Hair tickled my nose, and I breathed in deep, snuggling in as I lost myself in the exotic spiciness.

“Comfortable. Hmm. Sort of perfect. I like the way you smell.”

He laughed, and I tilted my head back in surprise.

“What was that?”