My eyes flutter open, and I find myself cradled securely in Nickolas's arms as he strides through the castle's imposing entrance hall. I blink owlishly, taking in my surroundings with a mixture of confusion and lingering exhaustion.

"You're awake," Nickolas rumbles, his deep voice vibrating against me in a way that has warmth blooming low in my belly.

"Yeah," I murmur, making a halfhearted attempt to extricate myself from his hold. But Nickolas simply tightens his grip, his arm ...