I want to, but I’m still too afraid. And then I smell him. Warm spices and leather. I tell myself it isn’t safe. I can’t trust anyone. But when I feel his weight dipping against the bed next to me, I wish I could.

“Wake up.” His fingers move over my jaw, stroking my skin like he’s memorizing it. “I know you’re in there.”

My eyes flicker open gradually, and the bright sunlight stings, disorienting me. How long have I been in this bed? I try to move, and Judge’s warm breath blows across my lips as he stills me. He’s so close, lying right beside me, face-to-face. Dark circles color the skin beneath his eyes. Exhaustion hangs heavy in his features, but there’s relief there too.

“It’s okay now,” he murmurs. “I’m here with you.”

I wish I could believe him. When I blink, more tears come, and I’m so tired of crying. But Judge wipes them away with his thumbs, his body moving closer yet. His warmth penetrates me, and I don’t want to like it. I don’t want to be comforted by it. But I can’t bring myself to push him away. Not even when he drags his fingers over my lips like all he wants to do is kiss them, but he knows not to try.

“How long have I been here?” I croak.

“Days,” he answers with a solemn tone.

I don’t understand how that’s possible. I don’t remember sleeping for days. Or drinking. Or going to the bathroom. But I’m clean and in a fresh pair of pajamas when I glance down. And there’s an IV in my hand, the tube leading to a stand next to the bed.

“Have I woken?” I ask.

“At times.” Darkness flashes in his vision like he doesn’t want to recall those moments. “But we’ve been keeping you medicated. You may not remember.”

My eyes drift to his, and I find myself getting lost in them, wondering who he really is. Wondering what he hides from the world. Theron’s words are still fresh in my mind. You don’t know what he’s capable of.

“Why are you here?” I ask.

“Because.” He swallows painfully. “I can’t… leave you.”

I want to understand the emotion behind those words, but I can’t. Exhaustion is weighing me down again, pulling me under fast. Judge senses it, and he moves closer, brushing the hair away from my face before his palm settles on my waist.

“It’s okay,” he whispers, his words a sweet lullaby in my ear. “You can sleep now, little monster. I’ll watch over you. You’re safe with me now.”

3

Judge