#Chapter 104: Gratitude

Agnes I woke to the sensation of Elijah’s arm around me. For a moment, I forgot where I was, the events of the previous night a hazy blur in my mind. All I felt was cozy familiarity. But then it all came rushing back—the cab, the kiss, the way we’d stumbled into the house, so desperate for each other that we had finally given in to our fantasies. Sex. It was just sex—that was what I told myself, anyway, as if that would help any. It couldn’t be more than that, not with Olivia still marked and fully capable of manipulating her bond with Elijah. And yet, I couldn’t bring myself to get up yet. Elijah was still sleeping beside me, his face softened in sleep, and I wanted to enjoy this for just a while longer. I nuzzled into him instinctively, my cheek resting against his chest as I listened to the steady beat of his heart. His arm tightened around me, pulling me closer, and I felt a flicker of contentment that I hadn’t known in years. Something about thi