Page 114 of Heart of Stone

I got out of bed and went over to the far side of the room to hit the dimmer switch for the bedroom lights. Moonlight shone through the glass wall, casting dark shadows over the walls. I was considering pouring myself a nightcap when I heard Krystina mumble incoherently.

“I’m sorry. What did you say?” I asked, moving back toward her.

“Alexander,” she murmured.

“Yes, angel.”

No answer.

She must be talking in her sleep.

I smiled at that, finding the sound of my name on her lips to be endearing, even during sleep. Forgetting the drink, I climbed back into bed and settled in alongside her.

“I…no, I shouldn’t. I have to go,” she mumbled, words barely audible. Through the glimmer of the moonlight, I saw her brow crease up as if she were tormented over some thought or another.

“Shh, Krystina. You don’t have to go anywhere,” I whispered to her, but she didn’t respond.

I pulled her tight against me and stroked the top of her hair.

You’re staying right here, angel—where you belong.

Chapter Thirty-One

Alexander

As my body clock dictated, I woke up before sunrise to the feel of Krystina still in my arms. She was pressed up against me, her naked body warm and inviting. Almost too inviting. I slowly rolled onto my back before a particular part of my anatomy decreed Krystina wake up too.

Reaching over to the nightstand, I grabbed my smartphone to begin the usual routine of checking emails and looking at the schedule for the day ahead. Before I opened my inbox, I saw I had a slew of text messages Matteo had sent the previous night.

Yesterday, 8:30 PM: Matteo Donati

What are you doing? Want to meet up for drinks?

I sent Bryan a text. He’s in. Meeting at Social Lounge in an hour.

I scoffed.

Of course, Bryan was in.