After our tense conversation, Alexander left me alone for a few hours. Some food arrived at the door minutes later, three single-serving dinner courses and an assortment of desserts that I was given to understand he had ordered for me. I begrudgingly admitted to myself that I appreciated the gesture. I had no interest in sharing a meal with Alexander tonight, but I did need to eat.
I had gotten myself comfortable under the covers and was almost at the edge of falling asleep when he returned to our room hours later. He changed his clothes quietly in the dark before creeping into bed, keeping his distance from me, and we went to sleep with a tense, uncomfortable silence between us.
I woke in the dark of early morning, sleepily enjoying a sensation of warmth and comfort. It took me a few
