The room settled into a comfortable silence.
Or at least it should have been comfortable.
Unfortunately, Elena remained painfully aware of the man lying beside her.
The same man who seemed determined to test every boundary she possessed.
"You're overthinking."
His voice suddenly cut through her thoughts.
Elena frowned.
"What makes you think I'm thinking about anything?"
"Because every time you overthink something, you get that look."
"What look?"
"The one you're wearing right now."
She turned toward him.
Only to discover he was already looking at her.
Amusement lingered in his eyes.
But there was something softer there too.
Something that made her immediately look away.
Dangerous.
That was becoming a dangerous habit.
Alaric smiled to himself.
Then settled more comfortably against the pillow.
"Relax, Elena."
His voice lowered.
"We're just sleeping."
The statement should have reassured her.
Instead, it somehow made her heart beat faster.
