JULIAN

I woke up suddenly, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might break through my ribs and for a moment, I couldn't remember where I was.

My body was covered in sweat, cold sweat that made my shirt stick to my skin and my hands were shaking, my breathing was fast and shallow.

Then reality came back to me slowly, the bedroom, early morning light filtering through the curtains.bI looked beside me and Claire was still asleep.

She was curled up on her side, completely peaceful and unaware, her hand was resting on the pillow near her face, her breathing was soft and even.

There was no tension...