Chapter 36

I came into consciousness ever so slowly, one aching body part at a time. Warmth enclosed me from all directions - the furry blanket, the blazing fire, and the column of hard muscle I'd tucked myself against on the couch. Archer, sound asleep from his heavy breaths. I couldn't remember him coming back in last night, but I was glad he'd parked himself next to me. He'd wrapped his arm around me and held me tightly to him while we'd both slept, and I felt so safe next to him. I wished we could sleep like this more often.

My hand was splayed across his bare chest, the steady thrum of a heartbeat beneath my palm. I traced it lightly and pretended I could move the pieces of his broken heart back together. No wonder he'd left last night after I'd brought up Ronin. After thinking he'd killed not one but two wolves while playing Faust's fucked-up game, I couldn't begin to understand the shock. The guilt. I didn't know how he was feeling, but I wanted to let him know he could talk to me.