Chapter Twenty-Two

Nicholas's POV:

As I pinned my gaze on her, she shrunk beneath me. She knew she had done wrong but I wanted to keep her in suspense by not lashing out immediately. Do you know who I am? No one dares to talk back at me. But for her, there would be an exception. 

It didn't take time for her to fall asleep or pretend to be sleeping, probably to avoid having to deal with me.

Her lips parted as she slowly drew in shaky breaths. She looked so innocent and relaxed. My hands wandered off on their own and found rest on her hair, carefully stroking them. As she felt the touch, she snuggled more into the pillow and held onto my hand.

Suddenly, she began whimpering and roughly thrashing against the bed. She must be having a nightmare. I tapped her shoulder and when she wasn't responding, I shook her until she jolted awake and then laid back down, continuing with her pleasant sleep. What could she have been dreaming about?