Page 39 of Allegiant

“Like what?”

He picks up his own cannolo and polishes it off in two bites. The whole time he chews and swallows, he glowers at me. It’s really quite adorable.

“Like you’re inviting me to forget my good intentions,” he says finally, putting the plate on the tray. “I’m trying to behave.”

“Why?”

“Because you had a panic attack,” he says bluntly. I shrink back at his words. How easily he addresses what happened. What must that be like? To face your monster and call it exactly what it is? “You need to rest now.”

His concern opens up a gate I thought was bolted shut. “What I need is to not feel alone.”

My vulnerable words hang in the air, and I wish I could call them back. They make me seem weak. They make me feel…ridiculous.

A muscle works in Samson’s jaw as he stares at me.

He probably wishes I hadn’t said them too.

But then he exhales a long breath. “Fine.” He stands up, fingers hooking in the waistband of his pants. Lust roars through me, only to be doused by his next words. “No funny business, though. I mean it. You need rest; I’m just getting comfortable. I run hot, and sweatpants in bed is a no-go for me.”

He strips as he talks until he’s wearing nothing but tight black boxers.

He nudges my shoulder. “Scoot over, this is my side.”

I do as he asks, amused by the turn this situation has taken. “What if I like to sleep on that side?”

“You don’t. All your shit’s on the other nightstand, and that pillow is flatter.”

My jaw drops. How did he even notice that? Is he saying my head is too big? I pat at it, and he huffs a small laugh as he gets settled.

“Plus, I should be nearest the door, just in case.”

“Are you expecting the danger to have followed us home?”

“No. I’m the most dangerous thing you’ll find in your apartment tonight. Trust me on that.”

Well, it seems I don’t mind that at all. Samson’s brand of danger is one I’m finding more and more intriguing.

He pushes at my t-shirt until I lift it over my head. Now we’re both down to our underwear. Unfortunately, that’s as far as he plans to go. He lifts his arm and jerks his chin. “Get in here.”

I roll over and settle against his chest. I’m wide awake now. I don’t ever let anyone sleep in my bed. Not even Adam. Hell, we never even shared an apartment, let alone a bed.

And even if I had, I wouldn’t have been cuddled up against him like this. This is way too fucking close. Especially with my luck.

But Samson doesn’t let my mind wander long. He simply holds his hand over my eyes. It’s heavy and warm, and I find myself sinking farther into the mattress.

His voice is drowsy when he speaks. “Sleep, Row.”

“I don’t want to.”

“You have to.”

I try to ignore him, to stay awake, but my eyes are shut, and the heavy weight of his hand against me has me floating off into the abyss.

10

ROWAN

I woke to nothing more than cold sheets beside me. I spent a little while wondering when he left. If he stayed at all. I don’t know. All I know is that his absence when I awoke made me more depressed than I care to admit.