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Before the nightmares in her mind could take over, I wrapped myself around her and pulled the blankets up and over us.
“Shhh, baby. I’m here,” I murmured in her ear. “I’m always here.” I ran my hand up and down her arm, trying to do everything I could to save her from her demons.
Ainsley sighed, her tense body finally relaxing at my touch.
I kissed her temple, breathing her in. She smelled like sex, a sweet perfume, and me. It was a scent that I vowed to keep on her skin for as long as possible.
My phone rang off in the distance, but I ignored it. I was sure it was my brother. He probably woke from having a nightmare himself and while he was going to give me shit for not taking his call, taking care of Ainsley was more important at the moment. He would have to get over it and find another way to cope.
Ainsley shifted beside me, another whimper leaving her. The sound stabbed me right in the heart. I didn’t know what her nightmare was about, but I could only imagine.
“Cyrus,” she whispered.
My eyes widened. This whole time. This whole mother fucking time, I had never heard her voice. Even though it was just a whisper, I would take it, but I wondered. Was I dreaming? Did I imagine it?
Reaching over, I turned on the lamp sitting on her nightstand and looked back down at her. Her eyes were squeezed shut, her jaw clenching. She was still sleeping, so there was no way she could have said my name. Was there? I had wanted to hear her voice for so long, maybe my mind made me think she said it. I didn’t know.
“Baby.” I kissed her head. “Wake up. You’re having a nightmare.” I gently nudged her, needing to help her escape her mind.
She suddenly jumped, lifting her head. Her back rose and fell with ragged breaths, a light sheen of sweat coating her skin. She shook her head, probably trying to ward off the evil threatening to take over.
“Hey.” I pulled her into my arms and on top of me.
Ainsley straddled my waist, wrapped herself around me, and let out a soft sigh.
Shifting my weight, I leaned against the headboard and pulled the blankets up and around us. I turned off the lamp and held her close. If she needed to sleep on me to get a good night’s rest, I would forever be willing to help her with that.
My phone buzzed again.
Since I was wide awake and Ainsley fell back asleep, I checked my phone.
Sammy: You don’t answer your phone anymore?
I ground my teeth together, a sharp pain shooting up the side of my face. I loved my brother, but his mood swings were starting to piss me off. I hoped Red kicked his ass and made him beg for whatever it was he wanted from her.
Me: I was in the middle of something.
Sammy: It’s called sex, C.
I rolled my eyes.
Me: It wasn’t sex. Helping my girl through her nightmare.
I didn’t have to explain myself to him, but I knew that he wouldn’t let it go if I didn’t give him some sort of an answer.
Sammy: Huh.
Not wanting to disturb Ainsley now that she had fallen back asleep, I wasn’t going to call my brother but that single-worded text he just sent, annoyed the fuck out of me. Dialing him up, I waited for him to answer.
“Now you call me,” he said, his voice curt.
“What the hell is your problem, Sammy?” I demanded, keeping my voice as quiet as possible, so I wouldn’t disturb Ainsley.
She shifted on top of me.
Running my hand up and down her back, I waited for her to settle.
“Did you not have a nightmare?” Sam asked.
