I woke before Cassian and reached for my suppressant compound before I did anything else.

Ten doses left.

I counted them twice, then set the container on the bedside table and looked across the room at him.

Cassian was still asleep, one arm resting above his head. His face looked relaxed in a way I rarely saw during the day.

Then the bond stirred.

I went still.

It felt warmer than it had yesterday.

Last night, I had kissed him because I wanted to.

Not because of the bond. Not because ...