Betty’s POV

It was very late when Ivan finally returned to the room. He did not turn on the lights, but I felt his presence as he moved quietly through the space. The mattress dipped beside me and his cool body pressed against my back in a gentle hug from behind. He must have showered before coming to bed because the faint dampness of his skin lingered.

I kept my eyes closed and pretended to be asleep. I did not want him to notice how red my eyes were from crying earlier. His arms wrapped ...