CLAIRE

I closed my eyes and tried to follow Julian’s advice, but my mind refused to settle. My body stayed tense even in his arms.

“I can’t,” I whispered, my voice small against the quiet of the room. “I can’t turn it off.”

Julian’s warm breath brushed the back of my neck as we lay together, my back pressed to his chest, his strong body curled protectively around mine. His hand continued its slow circles on my back, but I felt him shift closer.

“I know something that can take your mind off this,” he murmured, his voice low and husky.

I swallowed, already feeling a flutter low in my...