“Shh.” Jason’s strong arms circled my body, lifting me from the car. “Where are we?” I opened my eyes long enough to see a starless night behind tall towers of what looked like a medieval castle. I wrapped my arms gently around his neck and snuggled my brow under his chin. “Jase?” “Shh, it’s okay,” he said into the top of my head. “I’ll take you to David’s old room—just sleep, pretty girl.” I breathed his sweet cologne and closed my eyes; he squeezed me once, inhaling deeply through his nose—the sound of his breath and the warmth of his strong arms setting my heart at ease. The night closed in around us, bringing a cold, stone feeling from all six sides, while the patter of his shoes echoed like plastic rocks on marble. Time seemed to pass like the beat of a heart, taking me easily along the wistful realm of sleep until I felt the soft, cool caress of cotton sheets under the length of my body. “Jason—” I forced one eye open as he positioned my arms and legs comfortably under a blanket.
