Page 127 of The Wishing Game

I smile at his enthusiasm.

"He realized she left him the next day and went after her."

I spare him the raunchy details of their reunion since I remember far too well his reaction toThe Game of Thronesepisode. Instead, I give him the PG-13 version of how they made up and the fact that the hero decided to defy society's expectations for her and make her his wife.

"That's it?" He blinks.

"After they married, they lived happily ever after," I finish, releasing a soft yawn.

"That can't be the end," he complains. "There must be more to the story!"

"Nope, that's it," I say, my voice sleepy. "You can use your imagination for what happens next."

"But I wantyouto tell me." He pouts.

My brows shoot up in surprise.

"I can tell you other stories. But not now. I'm too tired..." I trail off.

He stares at me.

"Tomorrow?" he asks in a low, hopeful voice.

"Yeah, sure," I answer automatically just as my eyes close.

I snuggle closer to the warmth of the fire and the soft material cushioning my face. And as I drift off to sleep, my thoughts stray to Nikki.

Is he around, I wonder...

THIRTY

Warm sunlight bathes my face. Slowly, I creep my eyes open, rubbing them gently with my hands to chase the sleep away. But as I turn on my back, I have to blink twice to make sure I'm seeing right. That's when I notice that I'm lying down on a soft material. Ze's sitting with his legs crossed, holding his hands by his side so he won't touch me. But that doesn't change the fact that I've been sleeping on his lap.

"Ze?" I get up, sleepy confusion still clinging to my lashes.

"You're awake?" He looks at me and nods, getting to his feet to stretch.

I gape at him.

"Did I... Did I sleep on your lap the whole night?" I clear my throat.

He nods.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry! Did you get any sleep?" I burst out, ashamed of myself.

"No. I kept watch," he answers tersely.

"Are you tired? Do you want to take a quick nap while I keep watch? Damn it, you should have woken me up sooner to change places."

He stops, slowly turning toward me.

"Change places?" he asks in a low voice. "Would you allow me to use you as a pillow?"

I'm taken aback by his question, and for a moment, I consider saying no. But it's my fault he didn't get any sleep. It's also imperative that he is rested since I'm relying on his strength in case there's any danger as we continue our journey.

"All right," I eventually answer.

"I suppose a few minutes would not hurt," he mumbles, coming to my side. He plops himself on the floor and places his head on my lap. Everything happens so quickly that I can only stare at him as he makes himself comfortable in my lap, closing his eyes and releasing a deep breath.

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