The Fairview mansion wasn't far from the hospital. Eventually we reached a compromise.

Despite not wanting to sleep, Derek agreed to napping for a bit. I had insisted on it. So he asked someone else to dry and dozed off. I laid next to him while he slept, caressing his hear as he leaned on my shoulder.

The very fact that he had fallen asleep in such a short time showed me that I was right. He had been beyond exhausted.

Concern fought with loyalty in my mind, and my care for ...