Whispers at Midnight

I quickly tossed Leah to the bed while her drunken complaints faded into incoherent murmurs. Thankfully the maid clears the guest rooms every week. As I turned to leave, a gentle tug on my sleeve halted me.

"Don't go," Leah slurred, her grip surprisingly firm.

 Stupid girl, I thought, but I sank back onto the edge of the bed. Her eyes fluttered shut, and her breathing steadied. How absurd—the same girl who had fearlessly fought off the men who attacked us was now sleeping so peacefully.

 I found myself staying I could have easily forced my hand out and gone to my room but I stayed. I watched over Leah as she slept, as she held my hand firmly clearly not wanting to let go of it.

 I could feel my heart racing as I sat there, trapped by Leah's unexpected grip. The room was dimly lit, the flickering candle casting shadows on the walls.

 She was no ordinary girl; that much was clear. Her skills against the men who had attacked them had left an indelible mark on him. But now, in this quiet room, she seemed vulnerable, fragile even.

 He traced the curve of her cheek with his thumb, marveling at the softness of her skin. How had he ended up here, watching over her? Max had always been a man of logic, a practical thinker. Yet, something about Leah defied reason. Maybe it was the way her lips curved into a half-smile even in her sleep or the way her fingers tightened around his.

 The room smelled of lavender, a scent that clung to Leah's hair. Max leaned in, inhaling deeply. He should leave, and return to his own room, but he couldn't tear himself away.

 As the night wore on, Max's mind raced. What was he doing here? Why did he care? He had responsibilities, a life beyond this room. But none of it seemed to matter when Leah stirred.

 Max's eyes grew heavy, the warmth of Leah's presence lulling him into a peaceful slumber. The room seemed to shrink, cocooning them in a shared intimacy. He lay there, his hand still clasped in hers, their fingers entwined like roots seeking solace in the same soil. Max leaned down, brushing his lips against her forehead.

"I'll stay," he murmured, sealing their unspoken pact. "For as long as you need."