Chapter 36 The Vigil

• He didn’t move from the edge of the bed. He stayed, sitting vigil while I finished the water and the residual effects of the epinephrine subsided. He checked my pulse twice, his fingers surprisingly gentle on my wrist, counting the beats with total concentration.
• The fatigue of the adrenaline crash hit me hard. I closed my eyes, pulling the soft, familiar cotton of my pajamas up to my chin. I was surrounded by the scent of expensive linen and his subtle, clean cologne.
• When I drifted off, the last sensation I registered was the warmth of his presence beside me, a silent, powerful guardian against the dangers of the night.