She paused and attempted to break free from his hold.
It felt as though she was pushing him away.
It took him so much effort to win her heart, and now he was going to lose her again? The thought of that made his breath cease.
He held onto her tighter and rested his forehead against her back.
Choked with emotion, he sounded helpless as he pleaded.
âDonât go, pleaseâ¦â
She stood still and her heart ached.
It was as if her heart had been pierced by thousands of steel needles, causing excruciating pain and making it difficult to breathe.
Six months ago, Nathan had endured severe injuries as a result of the Payne familyâs punishment, all because of her.
On that evening, he had held her in his arms, just like tonight, enduring the pain, and pleading with her not to leave him alone.
Lucinda was overwhelmed with a mix of guilt, self-blame, and an incredible amount of distress.
For now, she supposed there was no harm in letting Nathan have his way.
She sighed and stroke his arms.
âI wonât leave you, ever.
Iâm not going anywhere.
â
She turned around, and he nuzzled her chest.
âWill you⦠Will you sleep with me tonight? Donât leave me aloneâ¦â
âALL right, Iâll stay with you.
From now on, Iâll tuck you in every night and sleep beside you, okay?â Lucinda ran her hands through his short hair.
Nathan nodded.
She plucked his robe from under the pillows and helped him put it on.
âItâs winter, and you just got better.
You canât sleep naked, or youâll catch a cold.
â
After securing his robe at the waist, Nathan nestled back into Lucindaâs arms.
He inhaled her unique scent and felt the restlessness in his heart gradually dissipate.
Lucinda reached to the side and turned the lamp off, and then settled back into bed.
Her eyes closed, and she was soon fast asleep.
It was cut short, however, when she heard the faint sound of sobbing next to her.