Chapter 32: Sleep Turns You On

The next morning, I woke up and pretended to still be asleep. The reason? There was a big, warm teddy bear behind me, spooning me like he had no intention of ever letting go. He was already awake. I could tell from the way he breathed. Slow and controlled. And I had no idea how to face him. Not after what I’d asked him last night. “I know you’re awake,” he whispered, his lips brushing my ear. I fought the urge to flinch. Instead, I stayed perfectly still, keeping my breathing soft and steady like I was still deep in sleep. He chuckled dangerously. It rumbled against my back and made my skin prickle. “So that’s how you want to play it?” His voice was all tease, all heat. “Then let’s play, love.” My pulse jumped. I gripped the mattress discreetly, bracing. But nothing came. He didn’t move. A few seconds passed. Then a full minute. Still, he just held me. Close. Warm. Just when my body began to relax— His hand slid over my chest, slowly cupping one breast. Not extreme. Just a gentle palm.