My eyes flutter open, and I find myself cradled securely in Nickolas's arms as he strides through the castle's imposing entrance hall. I blink owlishly, taking in my surroundings with a mixture of confusion and lingering exhaustion.

"You're awake," Nickolas rumbles, his deep voice vibrating against me in a way that has warmth blooming low in my belly.

"Yeah," I murmur, making a halfhearted attempt to extricate myself from his hold. But Nickolas simply tightens his grip, his arm like an unyielding band across my back.

"I didn't wake you when we arrived," he explains, his tone brooking no argument as he begins ascending the staircase. "I wanted to carry...