This time the floor was not so hard, and she was much more aware of Duncan's arms encircling her. She awoke suddenly and shivered despite Amos's comforting presence against her side. She eased onto her stomach, her favorite sleeping position, and dozed until Duncan came into the room shortly after dawn. She came awake suddenly, immediately defensive. "Just wanted to see if you're awake," he said. He disappeared, and when he returned it was with a breakfast tray heaped with food. It held half a grapefruit, steaming hot coffee, corned beef hash with a poached egg in the middle, and toast dripping with butter. "I don't think I can eat all of this," she said, clutching the bed covers tightly to her chest. "Eat what you can, and I'll give the rest to Amos," he told her. "I feel like I'm imposing," she said. She slid to a more comfortable sitting position before taking a bite of the hash. It was delicious. She relaxed slightly and told herself that there was no need to be wary here. Duncan Tate meant her no harm.
