While She Sleeps

“Could I come down with you, please?” I attempt to give him my most submissive stare, praying he’ll see I’m trying here.

“No.” He tugs the door shut, and I hear the key turning and the lock falling into place once more. Sighing, I move toward the bed and settle on the mattress. Curling up, I stare out the window, taking in the gray clouds. The sun is trying to peek through, but it’s hidden now. Earlier, it was warm in the room with the sunlight, but now that it’s gone, a cold shiver trickles its way over me.

I shove the blankets down before slipping under them and pulling them up to my chin. My eyes feel heavy, but my stomach grumbles at the idea of getting a sandwich and some coffee.

My eyes open, and a scream lodges itself in my throat. Logan is standing over me, watching me with heated desire burning in his gaze. His hand planted firmly on his crotch, stroking himself gently through the material.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“I told you, Beauty, I love watching you sleep.” The dark smile on his lips makes him look handsome, alluring, and dangerous at the same time.

Shock lances through me, and I realize he did tell me. He was honest. While we spoke online, he didn’t hold back once he told me his needs.

“But,” I mumble, unsure what to say. How can someone want that? I mean. It makes no sense to be turned on by . . . Shaking my head, I push up against the headboard. “I don’t understand. Is that why you brought me here?”

“I brought you here to keep you safe.”

“Yet, you’re violating that safety.” My words are harsh. Logan visibly winces at my retort, but before I have time to feel guilty for what I said, I tell him, “I mean . . . You can’t just come in here and . . .” I wave my hand in the air, unsure how to even describe what he was doing.

“I know. I mean, I brought your breakfast, and then I saw you lying there, beautiful, dreaming, and I couldn’t stop myself.” His words are pained. I don’t have time to say anything more because he rushes from the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

Silence greets me. The room is suddenly colder, harsher than I remember it being before I fell asleep. I look up at the vanity and notice the tray sitting there. A steaming mug along with a plated sandwich call to me, and for a moment, I forget about our interaction because my stomach growls painfully.

I scoot to my feet, padding over to the vanity, and grab a piece of the sandwich, which he cut into small triangles, and I bite into the soft bread. It’s still warm as if he’d just baked it himself, and the flavors of butter and cheese melt on my tongue. I can’t help but groan in pleasure as the food finally makes its way down to my stomach.

I haven’t eaten in a while, and this is delicious. I quickly finish the rest of the sandwich before I grab the coffee and settle back in bed. The mug sits on the nightstand, and I glance out the window, noticing how the sky is slowly turning dark.

I’ve lost track of time being here. I can’t imagine it’s been more than a day, maybe two. But I have slept more than I have done in a long while. The door slides open after I hear the lock clicking, and Logan saunters in.

He makes his way toward me silently, setting down a stack of books before he turns for the door. He looks tense, his shoulders bunched, and his head bowed. Suddenly, I see the broken prince he claims to be.

“Wait.”

He responds, “I’m not letting you out of this room, Vera,” he mumbles under his breath.

“No, I . . .” My voice falters. I want to tell him something to keep him here. I feel lonely, and his presence, even though I’m still angry, makes it more bearable.

“Then what?” He glances at me over his shoulder. I notice the glasses he was wearing yesterday, rim dark eyes that look right through me. There’s something haunted about him. A darkness I can’t read, but it’s there, creasing the corners of his eyes.

I have to admit he’s handsome. He’s tall, broad, and more man than boy. His angular jaw and sharp features make him look scary like he’s a mountain man who could so easily fling me over his shoulder and saunter into the woods without anyone stopping him.

“Vera?” My name pulls me from the thoughts racing through my head.

“Can you sit with me?” Even though the question is whispered, I know he heard because his expression changes from angry to sad. “Just for a little while.”