THEY MOVED TO THE BED TOGETHER, and Grayson lay down fully clothed on top of the covers while Mailah settled under them. The compromise felt absurd, but necessary.
"This is ridiculous," she muttered.
"Agreed."
"You're not going to sleep like that."
"I've slept in worse conditions."
She made a sound of frustration, then rolled over to face him. Even in the darkness, he could feel her watching him.
"Thank you," she said quietly. "For telling me the truth. Even though you didn't want to."
"You have a right to know what threatens you."
"And for staying."
He didn't respond. Couldn't.
Instead, he reached out and found her hand under the covers, interlacing their fingers.
It was answer enough.
Within minutes, her breathing had evened out into sleep. Grayson lay awake, staring at the ceiling, thinking about photographs and violated privacy and an ancient demon who thought he could use Mailah against him.
Theron had made a mistake.
He'd shown Grayson exactly what he valued most.
