Remaining motionless, he listened to the silence. Suddenly it dawned on him that it was the change in Alyssa that jarred him from his slumber. She was next lying next to him, pretending to be asleep but he could feel her fear. He heard how rapid and shallow her breathing was and could tell she’d been awake for some time. Hoping not to frighten her even more, he stretched first to remind her that she wasn’t alone. Rolling to face her, he whispered, “I told you to wake me.” When Alyssa didn’t respond he sat up and turned on the light. Instantly he took in how pale she was. Her teeth were clenched. Her eyes were held tightly shut and her hands were in fists. Shane slid so he was sitting and pulled her to his lap, holding her securely against his chest. “What are you doing, Pixie Queen? We had a deal.” “I’m fine,” she said in a small voice, refusing to raise her head. Shane let one hand gently stroke her back, trying to relax some of the tremendous tension he felt. “I’m so sorry for this, Campini.
