“I’m not letting her go through whatever hell she’s going through.” He touched her shoulders. “Baby, wake up. You’re fine. You’re in Greater Falls. You’re safe.”
She tossed, and then gasped awake. He cupped her face, stroking her hair, trying to offer her comfort.
“Paul?”
“That’s right. You’re at the Dirty Fuckers MC clubhouse. You’re safe. You’re fine.”
She took several deep breaths, and nodded. “I’m fine. I’m fine.”
“That’s right. You’re safe.”
Leo closed the door, drawing their attention toward him. “You were having a bad dream, honey.”
Skylar shoved her hair off her face and rubbed her eyes. “I’m so sorry for waking you. It must have been the fighting tonight. I haven’t had bad dreams for some time.”
“You were crying for your mother,” Paul said.
Her face seemed to go a little pale.
“Yeah, well, I don’t know why. Again, I’m really sorry for screaming and waking you up.”
“I don’t mind. I didn’t have anything else to do,” Leo said. “Sleep can wait until we’re dead, right?”
Skylar laughed. “I shouldn’t laugh. That is an awful thing to say.”
“But it’s the truth, right? We’re all going to be dead, and then we can all party.”
Paul stared at his friend. “There are times you really need to be silent.”
Leo shrugged. “I’m only saying what you’re all thinking.”
“No, I can promise you that is not what I’m thinking. I’m tired, and I need to sleep now,” she said. “Thank you so much for coming and checking on me.” She took his hand. “Thank you, Paul, for waking me up.”
He felt the fine tremors in her hand, and he held her tightly. “You have nothing at all to be afraid of. Me and Leo, we’ve got your back, baby.”
“You’re so sweet to me.” She lifted his hand, and pressed a kiss to his knuckles. “Thank you.”
The action was tender, gentle. He reached out and stroked her cheek.
“I’ve got a suggestion,” Leo said, coming to sit on the bed.
“What?” Skylar asked.
“You’ve had some bad dreams, and we’ve all seen the drama tonight. This bed is big enough. What do you say to Paul and me sleeping with you tonight? One on either side, and then we can be here to help with any of your dreams.”
Paul glared at Leo. Yes, he wanted to sleep with Skylar close, but the last thing he wanted was to scare her.
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Nope. We wouldn’t mind,” Leo said. “Right, Paul?”
“I don’t mind. I think it would be good. You look a little shaken, and I don’t like the thought of you being alone, and maybe a little afraid. Leo and I won’t overstay our welcome. If you want us to leave we will.”
“That is so sweet. Thank you.” She eased down the bed and lifted the blanket. “I’ve never had two men in my bed. I’ve not had anyone offer to sleep with me to help ward off any more nightmares. You two are the sweetest.”
As Paul climbed into the bed, the last thing he was feeling was sweet. In fact, he was feeling guilty because he had done something that wasn’t sweet, not at all. Damn, no wonder Leo was pissed at him. Rolling over, he saw that Skylar was turned toward him, and smiled at him. “Thank you.” Then she rolled over, and thanked Leo.
She settled on her back, and Paul couldn’t stop looking at her.