Chapter 144

Damon

The morning sunlight spilled through the sheer curtains, painting soft golden lines across the bed where Sienna was still curled up against me. Her hair fanned over the pillow, her breathing slow and even. I stayed still, watching her for a moment longer, memorizing the peace that lined her features.

The peace that she had when she was asleep in my arms. The safety that I knew that she felt when she was by my side.

For once, there was no tension between us. No walls. No fear. Just her… trusting me enough to sleep in my arms without reservation.

I wished I could let her stay like this.

I wished that I could hold her in my arms a lot longer, away from all the power, away from all the anguish, from all the pain. From all the hate. I wish that I could keep her safe, away from all of it.

Wished I could pretend a little longer that everything was perfect.

But I couldn’t.

Not with what I knew.

Not with what I had to tell he