I woke with a start, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. My neck ached from the awkward angle, and there was a weight across my waist—an arm. Ronan's arm.
The events of the previous night came rushing back. My breakdown. The revelation about the priest watching me. Ronan's unexpected tenderness. I'd fallen asleep on him, after he'd given me that sedative from Theronius.
Embarrassment washed over me in a hot wave. I wasn't the type to fall apart like that, especially not in front of others. Especially not in front of Ronan Thorne.
I shifted slightly, and Ronan's eyes opened immediately. So he hadn't been asleep after all.
"Morning," he said, his voice gravelly from the night spent in an uncomfortable position. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," I admitted, sitting up and putting some distance between us. I missed his warmth instantly but pushed the feeling away. "Thank you for... staying with me."
