The air hung heavy with silence.

Roman stared at her for several seconds, his expression unreadable. Serena could hear the rapid thudding of her own heart beneath the covers.

She immediately regretted saying it.

“I—I didn’t mean…” She looked away, embarrassed. “Forget I said anything.”

Roman’s gaze softened.

“Serena.”

She swallowed.

“You’re frightened,” he said quietly. “And you’re exhausted. What happened tonight has shaken you more than you’re letting yourself admit.”

Her eyes burned with fresh tears.

“I just don’t want to be alone with my thoughts.”

Roman moved closer, but he kept a respectful distance between them.

“You don’t have to be.”

She looked at him.

“You can stay...