AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Want some water or something?” He sat beside me on the bed. “A cookie?”
“You would bring me a cookie?” For some reason that made me want to cry. “That is so kind of you, but I don’t want to have to brush my teeth again.” I offered him a watery smile. “But I wouldn’t mind the water if it’s not too much trouble.”
He left and returned with a glass clinking with ice. “Here you go. I hope it helps.” He sat on the bed again while I sipped at the drink. “Do you usually go back into the nightmare when you go to sleep again?”
“Sometimes.”
“What can we do to make that end?”
“Nothing, I don’t think. I’ve tried everything. Warm milk, reading for a while, anything I can keep up with.”
“You haven’t tried me,” he said.
“What are you saying?” My heart was hammering in my chest. “Because I’m not—”
“No, I wasn’t saying that you should, that we would…” He looked as discombobulated as I felt. “I was going to offer to keep you company, maybe hold you.”
I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or disappointed. “Just until I fall asleep?” I asked, feeling like a child but unable to turn down the comfort.
“As long as you need me. Scoot over.”
I did that, and he sat against the headboard and held out his arms. “You’re safe with me, I promise.”
I believed him, too, although I wasn’t sure why. Maybe because I needed someone and it didn’t hurt that my wolf was thrilled at the idea of spending time close to this male. “I trust you.” Moving into his embrace, I rested my cheek on his chest and marveled at the tension easing out of my limbs. “This is nice. Thank you.”
“No need for gratitude. I like it, too. I was not sleeping well, and you feel good in my arms.”
“You weren’t sleeping either? What was wrong?”
“Nothing in particular, just one of those nights everyone has when there’s a lot going on in their mind and it won’t entirely shut down. I have an exam coming up for one thing, and I don’t think I studied enough.”
“I’m sure you did. Don’t you get really good grades?”
“Yes…but how did you know?”
“Just a guess.” I laid an arm over his waist. “I’m getting sleepy already.”
“That’s my girl. Now, let’s just be quiet and see if sleep comes.”
“Mmm.” It was already on the way.
Chapter Nine
When I came out of my room that morning, Nolan was waiting at my door with a cup of coffee in his hands. The steaming liquid was light in color, so I knew it was how I liked it, and I could smell the vanilla alongside the bitterness of the brew. Someone had been paying attention.
“How did you manage this?” I asked, looking at the mini fridge and praying they somehow got a coffeepot brought in.
“I flirted with one of the dining hall workers,” he said. “They can’t resist my charms.”
I snorted, nearly spilling the coffee as he handed it to me. “Is that right? You like older women, do you?” I’d seen the ladies who worked in the dining hall. Not one was younger than forty.
“No. I’m not looking for anyone anymore. Why? Are you jealous?”
“Of a woman with a hairnet? Not so much.”
We walked together to the dining hall and, as usual, the food was incredible. Somehow my roommates were shifted to another line, so I sat by myself at a table, hoping they would join me but trying like hell not to seem too desperate.
“Can we sit here?” I looked up to see Minx and her three mates hovering on the other side of the table, trays in hand.
