Page 124 of The Auction Block

I fall over the edge, coming hard around him a moment before he finds his own release. Staying inside me, he stills and leans his forehead against mine, our breathing labored and uneven, coming in gasps.

"No more dates. It's you, or no one."

"Fine," I huff, kissing him on the forehead. "You're mine."

"And you're mine," he whispers, slowly pulling out of me. I wince.

I walk into the bathroom as he goes to the closet. Leaning over the sink, I turn on the faucet and splash cold water onto my face. Quickly, I brush my teeth, calming myself. Blake is lying in bed, his hands behind his head, eyes closed. I smile, quietly climbing in with him, laying my head on his chest and he wraps his arm around me.

"I love you," he whispers sleepily.

I chuckle. "And I you. Now go to sleep."

†††

"No! Lily! Lily!" Blake yells in his sleep.

I bolt upright and grab his shoulders, shaking him. "Blake! Wake up. Wake Up!"

His eyes open, pupils dilated in fear, sweat drenching his face and chest. He reaches out and runs his hands down my cheeks, my neck . . .

"You were dead," he chokes out.

"It was a dream. I'm right here. I'm fine," I whisper, pulling him into my arms, running my hands through his hair. "I'm here."

"Fuck," he snaps, his breath tickling my neck.

"Shh, it’s fine." I kiss the side of his face, gently scratching his head with my fingernails.

"It was so real, Lily," he whispers, nipping at my shoulder with his teeth.

A shiver runs down my body.

"Go back to bed. You need to rest." I release him and gently push him back down. He stares at me, his eyes full of panic. "I'm going to get a drink. You need to be asleep before I come back up here."

"I'm sorry," he whispers.

My heart drops as I reach out and run my fingers down his cheek.

"Don't. I've been dealing with nightmares my whole life. It's nothing to apologize for."

He nods, rolls over, and closes his eyes. I stand and quietly make my way to the kitchen.

†††

"Blake having nightmares too?"

I jump, my head snapping up at the sound of Dresden's voice. He's sitting at the island, his head in his hands.

"Yeah. Shannon too?"

He meets my gaze as I stop across from him, leaning against the counter. "Yeah. She's had them every night since you brought her home."

"She'll get better, Dresden."

"Have you?" His face tightens in pain, full of disbelief.

"No. But I went through far worse and I still manage," I say, pushing off the counter.