Chapter 115. A Moment of Quiet in the Chaos

Chase's POV

I lay awake with Lottie nestled snug between Knox and me, the soft glow of the television casting gentle shadows across her sleeping features. The hush of the late hour made every shift of her body and every rise and fall of her chest seem amplified in my head. I tried to focus on the quiet film playing on the TV, but my mind drifted far from whatever scene was flickering on the screen.

I could feel Knox's presence on her other side; his arm curled over her waist in a casual display of protective affection. It was oddly comforting, knowing she was sandwiched between two people who would gladly burn down the world for her. My own chest tightened with a mix of gratitude and jealousy. I knew it was ridiculous to feel both things at once, but I couldn't help it. We'd all been stretched thin lately, and calm moments—like this—were so rare they felt like miracles.

Adam had insisted I be the one to stay with Lottie tonight. He'd reasoned that time was too prec