Ruelle felt her heart stumble over Lucian's words.
For a moment she could only stare at him with her lips parted. Slowly her gaze slid past his shoulder to the bed, and heat crept up her throat and into her face.
"You mean... in the bed?" Her voice came out smaller than she intended.
Lucian let the silence stretch just long enough to hear the tremor of her heart. Then one corner of his mouth curved, as if finding her expression endearing. His hand rose to her face, his knuckles grazing her cheek as if memorizing the shape of her blush rather than merely causing it.
"The couch might be uncomfortable," Lucian murmured, low enough to make her heart skip a beat. "I only want to hold you and sleep tonight."
She dropped her eyes before he could see how far her mind had already wandered and gave a nod, "Okay." To save herself from the embarrassment, she said, "My clothes are in the other room. I will get back..."
"That won't be required," Lucian stated as his fingers found her scarf.
