In sleep, I felt safe and warm, like I was rocking in a boat on gentle waves under a bright sunny sky. Here, my troubles seemed so far away. I was at peace, distant from those who wanted to hurt me or bring my family harm.
Once, I had thought myself to be in Nicholas’s embrace. I almost recognized it somehow, the fierce hold of his arms and the wall of his body. His figure had shaped out since we were teens, but the way he embraced was the same. So gentle. So tender, like I was the most important person in the world.
But then Nicholas’s arms went away.
This good feeling was not meant to last.
Soon, I was stirred awake to the thunderous sounds of a loud argument.
“You purposefully placed Piper into harm’s way!” That was Nicholas’s voice. I’d be able to pick it out of a crowded room, th
