THEO’s POV.

He stepped closer. Just one step, but it was enough for his scent to fill the space between us completely. My knees weakened, and heat rippled through me.

His gaze softened then, though his voice was low and deep when he finally spoke.

“You’re awake.”

I swallowed hard, the sound barely audible. “I… I didn’t mean to intrude.”

His lips curved slightly, not quite a smile, more like a thought he refused to say out loud.

“You’re safe here,” he said, his tone rough around the edges. “Rest. No one will touch you.”

No one but you, I wanted to say that but the words never left my...