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He listened to me last night, really listened. Didn’t judge me or pity me when I told him about my nightmares. Just held me tighter, like he could shield me from all the darkness in the world.

And he did.

Now, waking up in his embrace, I’m more rested than in years. No nightmares. No jolting awake in a cold sweat. Just peace.

Because of him. Because he makes me feel safe in a way I haven’t since… well, ever.

I snuggle in closer, nuzzling my head into the crook of his shoulder and neck. My eyelids grow heavy again, and I let them drift shut. I’ve never felt safer or more at peace than I do right here in this moment with him. Maybe just five more minutes like this before the day starts.

His fingertips flex against my skin, and I pray he hasn’t woken up yet. Not before I can at least freshen up a bit.

Slowly, I try to shift my leg off his. But he grumbles and hitches me closer. Oh god. I’m trapped here in his octopus grip. Panic flutters through my body. What if he wakes up? Will he try to kiss me before I can brush my teeth?

Okay, calm down, Lil. Gently move his arm and—

Sebastian’s voice is low and gravelly with sleep. “Where do you think you’re going?”

I tense. “I, uh… bathroom?”

“Mm, I don’t think so.” He nuzzles into my hair, and I cringe, knowing how greasy it must be.

“Sebastian, I really need—”

“Need me. I know.” His eyes open, green and intense, as they lock onto mine. A slow, lazy smile spreads across his face. “Mornin’, princess.”

“Hi.”

He nuzzles into the crook of my neck, placing a lazy kiss on my bare shoulder. “Did you sleep okay?”

“Yep.”

“Mhmm.” His fingers trace my spine. “I could get used to this.”

Get used to this? I shift, hyperaware of how close we are, and a hard and insistent something—I bite my lip, trying to rein in my racing thoughts.

His hand glides down to my hip, and he uses the leverage to rock against me. I inhale sharply at the contact, my body instantly responsive despite my reservations.

“So, where’s my promised breakfast?” he asks.

“I never promised you breakfast.” Do cupcakes count as breakfast?

“You invited me to spend the night.” The scrape of his teeth against my skin makes me whimper. “Breakfast is implied.”

“It’s not.” It’s a weak protest and we both know it, my body already arching into his.

“Are you sure I won’t find that sweet pussy of yours soaking wet?”

His hand slides further down between my thighs, cupping my center through the fabric.

“Well, look at that.” He strokes me, and I whimper.

I should push him away, tell him to stop. But god, it feels so good. His touch ignites a fire in my veins, and I rock against his hand, seeking more friction.

“Sebastian.” It comes out breathy and needy, not at all the stern tone I was going for.

“Yes, princess?” He grins at me, all lazy arrogance. His fingers slip beneath the edge. “Tell me what you want.”

What I want? I want him to stop teasing and touch me for real. I want him to kiss me until I can’t breathe. I want him to make me forget about everything outside this room.

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