A frustrated groan tore from my lips. I had a strong desire to ignore the pulsing need of my bladder pushing me to leave the small slice of heaven I was cocooned in. The lush blanket and the pillows felt unbelievably soft wrapped around me and I wanted to snuggle in deeper, hidden from the chilly morning air. Ignoring my throbbing bladder, I pulled the comforter further over my face, delighting in the way the pillow cushioned my head. At most, I managed a few minutes of sleep before the need to use the bathroom roused me.

With a sigh, I stretched, my stiff joints giving a satisfying pop of delight. A gentle yawn escapes my lips as I stretch out my languid muscles and, as my mind sheds the last vestiges of sleep, the pain of yesterday's event slowly resurfaces. Echoes of deep sadness, panic and desperation resonate in my every bone. I will myself not to succumb to the memories of yesterday.

After the roller coaster of emotions stemming from the painful altercation with my family, I'd gone to my room on shaky legs with every intention of crying myself to sleep. I wasn't proud to say it, but the confrontation had left me trembling with unprocessed emotions. My relationship with my grandfather was nonexistent at best. His views on life were a lot like my mother's and I did my best to avoid all possible interactions with him. In the back of my mind, I'd always known his method of parenting was strict, but for him to raise his hand on me was something even my mother had never done. I'd gotten so caught up in my head that I had failed to notice the jingling of a key till the sudden click of an engaging lock jarred my senses, jolting me into action. Unconsciously, my feet had carried me to the door, only to confirm the horrible reality. With my head resting on the unforgiving frame, I'd resisted the urge to bang my displeasure, knowing the satisfaction it would give them to see me visibly distressed.

They planned to keep me locked in till the time I was to meet my unwanted in-laws tomorrow. At this, I wouldn't put it past them to conduct the wedding tomorrow. My lungs had cinched in panic, but I didn't let that deter me. Even knowing how fruitless it would be, I'd pivoted, heading for where I'd last seen my balcony keys. Of course, they've been taken away, probably hidden in some place I would never find. With that key gone, they deliberately took away my source of freedom.

But, not all of them.

My mind raced with other possibilities, putting my body into action. I had quickly changed into something with more leeway, grabbing a coat as I rushed out the window. Aside from the clothes on my back, I took nothing, putting my faith in the aloof creature that claimed me as his own. I'd rather slink into the lair of a hungry vampire than marry that misogynistic bastard. Somehow, I found myself scaling the same building up to a destination I had unconsciously made a haven, and like he knew to expect me.

The windows were ajar. A sensible person would have considered the danger they would be exposing themselves to, but I guess I have proven myself to be reckless on more than one occasion. My feet landed softly on the soft carpet, cushioning my steps. My eyes had trailed the large space, instinctively seeking him out. The faint glow of moonlight streaming into the large space highlighted the figure sitting rigidly on the bed. His back had been against the headboard, arms crossed tightly across the wild expanse of his chest. Even when his face was partly illuminated by the soft glow of the moon, I knew without a shadow of doubt that his intense gaze was pinned on me. I wasn't stupid regardless of the way this man made me feel, it remained unchanged that he was still a predator in every way. As every human would, my body responded accordingly. A shiver had run down my spine and the hairs on my neck stood on end, from the menacing danger he exuded, pulsing from him in nearly visible waves. All he just needed to do was sit there with his body partly in the shadows, and it did the work of intimidating me effortlessly.

However, that was not the only feeling he elicited from me, against my better judgment, I took one step closer.

I couldn't point out the exact moment it occurred.

Was it the time he saved me from potential death, or maybe it was the way he held me after, or perhaps it could have been the time he stood by my side when I was humiliated at the diner. I was not specific, but to me this dangerously unyielding and aloof male had come to mean safety to me. The confusion of the day, the staggering weight of uncertainty, the panic and bottled-up resentment dropped from my shoulders and, for the first time that day, I relaxed, letting go of everything. The relief was incomparable, the sentiment echoed by the harsh sob escaping my bruised lips. I'd promptly burst into tears, rushing for the bed to wrap my arms around his waist, his toned frame giving me indescribable comfort. I had cried and cried, letting it all go in one fell swoop. Snot and tears had run freely and even when I soaked his shirtless abs with them, he still said nothing. He just let me cry, eventually running his long fingers in my wild curls.

There were no questions.

No judgment or cutting remarks and save for the sounds of my harrowing sobs, the room was silent. Just like that, I'd clung to him, exhaustion finally leading me into a deep sleep.

I looked around, wanting to confirm that it hadn't all been a dream. Just as I suspected, I was in his bedroom. A feeling of déjà vu made me recall the different sensations I'd experienced while I was here. I smiled, recalling the look in his eyes. Regardless of how small his reaction to our encounter had been, it was still one I relished, knowing that I was behind it. Tentatively, I picked around the large room with hopes that I had some time to freshen up before he saw me. I was giddy with excitement, butterflies fluttering helplessly in my belly. I had never reacted like this to anyone and the feeling was intoxicating. Briefly, my thoughts flashed to Lila. Was this what she felt for Blake all this time? If so, I couldn't fault her. I still hadn't spoken to her after our last conversation. I wasn't mad that she slept with Blake, but I was upset that she did it to deliberately hurt me. Also,I could not get over how she'd spoken to me. Though I missed her, I knew we needed distance. Truth be told, if Drane hadn't been in my life, I would have gone on to her place to stay.

Another reason I had to be grateful that we'd met.

Aware of my messy bedhead and morning breath, I dashed to the bathroom, recalling from memory where it had been. There was a large walk in closet I promised myself to explore later as I ran past it to the bathroom and froze my brain to comprehend what I witnessed.