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Sienna’s heart sped up as he lightly brushed his full lips over the corner of her mouth for a sweetly lingering kiss. When he pulled back, the tingles were still chasing each other down her spine and she had to pause to catch her breath.
The moment faded and Sienna sighed, wrapping her arms around herself. Jensen gave her a concerned look, lifting one brow.
“Stay with me,” she pleaded, the words escaping her mouth before she could change her mind. “I don’t want to sleep alone.”
Jensen stared into her eyes for the longest of seconds and she braced herself for a rejection, but he nodded instead. He took her hand, wrapping his fingers around hers, his palm warm and smooth against her skin. Hand in hand, they walked to the bed.
Sienna lay first, resting her head on the pillow, waiting for him to follow. The mattress creaked under his weight, then a bit more as he moved until her back was pressed against his chest, his arm over her and his face buried in her hair.
Sleep came easily that night. They both slept without moving or waking up. Sienna was at peace and Jensen’s body was the most relaxed she’d ever seen. Their breaths deepened as their minds drifted away.
Sienna woke up to a slight knock on the door from Riley, telling her that his parents had returned. He didn’t wait for an answer and moved on.
The clock told her that she’d only slept two hours but despite that, she felt rested and refreshed. Jensen’s arm was still around her, pinning her against his chest. His lips were parted and his face serene.
Sienna wished she didn’t need to wake him and that they could’ve stayed like that forever. Some part of her didn’t want to let him go, knowing that as soon as he woke up, the spell would be over and there’d be distance between them again. She hated it, but finally understood why he went through so many precautions to protect himself.
Carefully, with her hand still around his, she turned around until she was facing him. Unable to resist herself, she touched his cheek, brushing her fingers against his morning stubble.
They both reeked of alcohol and didn’t even bother getting out of their clothes or slipping under the covers before falling asleep. Everything was so fast and spontaneous that they simply ended up going with the flow as far as the current would take them.
Sienna wouldn’t mind taking things further, but now she had even more insight into his decision not to. A while ago, Jensen told her that he wasn’t like his brothers, and he didn’t have the privilege of running around like he had no care in the world. He was the Carrington heir and with that came responsibility.
“Jensen,” she whispered, gently rubbing his cheek.
His eyelids fluttered, then he slowly opened his eyes. The sleep slowed him down and it took him a moment to see where he was. Once the realization settled, his eyes widened, and he jerked up into a seated position.
“I shouldn’t be here. I’m so sorry,” he apologized and climbed out of bed.
“Wait,” Sienna said, grabbing his hand. He turned around, giving her a sharp look that didn’t scare her anymore. “Nothing happened. We fell asleep. That’s all.”
A flicker of relief appeared on his face but disappeared just as fast as his neutral expression took place. “I should change my clothes,” he told her with a soft voice.
“Riley’s parents are back. We can meet downstairs for breakfast.”
He gave her a nod and a lingering ghost of a smile, then slipped through the door, leaving her alone with the thoughts she didn’t want to endure. Following his lead, she got out of bed to make herself presentable for breakfast with Riley’s parents.
She came into the dining room just on time to see Riley’s parents embrace Jensen.
“My sweet boy,” Tessa said, squeezing him tighter.
Jack kept on touching his shoulder as if to see if he was really there. “You’ve grown so much.”
“I missed you guys,” Jensen said with fondness.
“Sienna, come meet my parents,” Riley called, waving her over.
“It’s lovely to meet you,” Tessa said, pulling her into a hug that was just as intense as the one she gave Jensen. With a smile on his face, Jack nodded in greeting.
“A pleasure to meet you both,” Sienna said, instantly feeling at home with them. There was something about them that made her feel comfortable. Jack’s smile was warm and Tessa’s hugs welcoming.
After they’d sat for breakfast, they briefly interrogated Jensen about his life. The air turned heavier when the Ryder massacre was mentioned and the looming war with the Remingtons.
Jack put down his coffee and cleared his throat. Before turning to Jensen, he looked at his wife who gave him a firm nod.
“There’s no need to beat around the bush because we all know why you two are here. We had a long conversation about it when you announced yourself, and reached a decision,” Jack told them with a grave voice, then continued before Sienna could try to convince him to help. His frown fell apart as a smile spread over his face. “You’re our family, Jensen. We’ll help you in any way we can. You didn’t need to come so far to get our support, but we’re very glad to see you.”
Jensen’s eyes watered as he looked at his second family. “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
