Page 90 of Undone

He answered almost immediately, despite it being the middle of the night.

“Noah?” His voice was groggy and confused.

“I…” My voice cracked, and I swallowed hard, willing myself to speak.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I don’t know. I… had a bad dream,” I blurted out, still trying to catch my breath. “It was him, Dorian. It felt so real. He was counting down, and he was there. I swear he was, I could feel him right there and it was like I couldn’t move, I couldn’t breathe, and I just—I just wanted to hear your voice.”

“I’m on my way,” he said without hesitation.

“No, you don’t have to do that.”

“I’m already walking out the door. I’ll be there in a few.”

“Okay,” I replied, clutching the phone to my chest as the line went dead.

Five minutes felt like an eternity, but when the knock finally came, I almost ran to the door.

Dorian stood there, his dark eyes scanning me. He didn’t say anything, just pulled me into his arms, holding me tight.

“It’s okay,” he murmured, his hand running soothingly down my back. “I’m here now.”

The sound of his voice, the steady warmth of his embrace, broke something inside me, and I let the tears fall.

“Thank you,” I whispered against his chest, my voice muffled but full of relief.

“Always.”

He led me to the couch, sitting beside me as I attempted to push the dream away, but failed. His hand never left mine, his fingers brushing gentle circles atop my skin.

“I got you, peach. I’ve got you,” he said softly.

I nodded, my breathing finally evening out.

“Can I stay? I’ll just tell G I missed her.” His gaze searched mine.

“Okay, but I have to sleep down there,” I said, pointing to my spot between Dotty and Gracie.

“Fine.” He teased. “If you have to.”

I wedged my way down to the floor as he settled onto the couch, pulling a blanket over himself. My attention stayed locked on him—the steadiness of his presence easing the tension that had gripped me.

His hand dropped, brushing against my temple, the touch tender as his fingers slowly moved back and forth.

I leaned into his touch, sinking into the calmness of the moment. It was the same feeling he had brought out in me since the very beginning.

My eyes grew heavy, my heart settling into a steady rhythm. Just as sleep began to claim me, I heard a small creak of the couch—and then the faintest pressure, a soft, lingering brush of his lips against my head.

THIRTY-ONE

Dorian - September

CHERRY WINE - HOZIER

School was in full swing,and Gracie was already thriving in Noah—Miss Reid’s—class. I wasn’t entirely sure what happened a couple of weeks ago when she was so upset after the birthday party, but she came home the day after the sleepover with her usual bright smile.

When I asked Dotty about it, she didn’t have much information either—only that Noah had a conversation with her that seemed to make a difference. Seeing my usually cheerful daughter so down had been gut-wrenching. I would have ripped my heart out and given it to her if it would have worked.

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