Chapter 79

• Dominic walked into the room, soft light from the moon cascading over Valarie's still shape. It seemed unceremonious to walk into a room and find someone sleeping in the early hours, so he crept closer to her. When he was closer, he saw that the blanket had slipped off and that exposed her to the night air. She was shivering in her sleep, her body trembling with each gentle breath.
• Dominic instinctively reached out and gently pulled the blanket back up, covering her properly; the view of her face was irresistible as he continued. He gazed at her, taking in all the gentle curves of her face, the softness of her skin. She looked so peaceful, so vulnerable, that it caused a pang of tenderness in Dominic's chest.
• But before he realized what had happened, he was lying beside her, pulling her into his arms to share his warmth. He wrapped his body around hers to hold her close as he felt her shivering subside. While holding her, he had that feeling of calmness wash over him, that sense of peace he had missed for long.