JULIAN's P O V

As I carefully set Cynthia down on the bed, I heaved a sigh and resolved in my mind that I would sleep on the couch tonight. Nothing would make me happier than to be able to hold her throughout the entire night, but I was aware that she might not appreciate that idea. I didn’t want her to think that I took advantage of her while she was unconscious.

I heard the doorbell ring, and I frowned as I walked toward it to check who it was. It was strange to have someone knocking on the door at this hour---it was already well past midnight.

After...