Page 39 of The Hero She Needs

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Gemma’s eyes snapped open,her heart racing. She sat up. The room was dark, and she was disoriented. Where was she?

Then she heard a low groan echo in the dark room.

“No. No.Stop.”

Boone’s voice. Her heart hit her ribs.

She heard a low whine and saw the shadow of Atlas pacing between the beds, agitated.

Boone thrashed on his bed.

She glanced at the glow of the alarm clock. They’d gone to sleep a few hours ago.

She bit her lip. “Boone? Boone?”

“Stop! Don’t hurt him. Take me.”

Raw pain tore through her. The agony in his voice was horrible. She hurt for him. For the memories that still haunted him.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed, but was careful not to get too close to him.

“Boone, you’re having a nightmare.” She reached out and touched his bare shoulder. “You’re safe.”

He went still.

“Are you awake?” she asked.

“Yes.” His voice was hoarse. “I’m—”

“Don’t you dare apologize.”

She heard his harsh expulsion of breath.

“You need some water?”

“No.”

She set her shoulders back. She wouldn’t let him suffer alone because he was being stubborn. “Move over.”

“What?”

She lifted the covers on his bed. “I’m coming in.”

“Gemma.” The word was a growl. “This is a bad idea.”

She slid in. “No, it’s not. Don’t worry, I won’t take advantage of you, Boone.”

With both of them in it, the bed sagged a little, and she slid into the center, colliding with his hard body. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, and all she felt was warm skin.

Oh. Her belly clenched. She hoped she wasn’t lying when she said she wouldn’t take advantage of him.

She settled her head on his arm. “Cuddling helps keep nightmares away.”

His body was stiff. “You have nightmares?”

“I used to when I was younger.” She paused. “My mom used to stay with me. I’d forgotten that.”

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