Page 80 of Tempest’s Torment

I smile, it’s sad but soft. "You're really not."

He lets out a quiet breath. "I've got things to think about."

"You will tomorrow." He doesn't answer, so I hold my hand out. "Come on."

His eyes drop to it, and for a moment, I think he's going to refuse, but then he slips his hand into mine, his fingers closing around mine automatically. "You're stubborn," he mutters as he stands.

"So I've been told."

"By me."

I grin. "Mostly by you."

Still holding his hand, I lead him toward my bedroom, but he stops in the doorway. I look back at him and see that he's looking around the room, taking it in like he always takes everything in. "What?"

His eyes find mine. "You sure?"

I don't hesitate. "I asked you to come to bed, Tempest."

Something softens in his expression; he gives a slow nod and he follows me inside.

I pull back the duvet and climb in first, shuffling across to make room for him. He sets his phone on the bedside table before reaching for the lamp.

Darkness settles around us and we both stay still. I don’t want to disturb him; I want him to sleep. I doubt he slept last night with me on him. But after a while, he’s still lying on his back beside me, still awake.

No doubt thinking and trying to solve a problem that can't be solved tonight.

I turn onto my side. "You should be asleep."

He turns his head just enough to look at me. "So should you." He lets out a slow breath. "Can't switch it off."

"I know." I reach across the space between us and lace my fingers through his, his hand closes around mine immediately. "But you don't have to solve everything tonight." He doesn't respond. No matter what I say, it won’t change it. "You've been carrying this since Rogue called."

His thumb brushes over the back of my hand. "I'll figure it out."

"Tomorrow," I urge him.

His eyes stay on mine. "Maybe."

"No." I smile softly. "Definitely tomorrow."

The corner of his mouth lifts. "You've become bossy."

"I learned from the best." That earns me a quiet huff of laughter, so I shift a little closer. "So tonight..." I squeeze his hand. "You can let somebody look after you for once."

He’s quiet for a while, and I think he’s not going to speak. "I don't know how."

The honesty in those four words catches me off guard. "I do." I move closer until my head rests against his shoulder, and for a second, he stays perfectly still, but then his arm slides around my waist. I settle against him, feeling his chin brush the top of my head.

"Better?" I whisper.

He doesn't answer straight away; instead, he presses a kiss into my hair. "Yeah."

I smile into his chest. "Good. Night, Tempest."

His hand moves slowly across my back, it’s soothing, and I close my eyes just as he replies. “Night, Lilah.”

I wake slowly but I don't open my eyes for a few more moments. I'm warm, comfortable, and there's a heavy arm wrapped around my waist.