CHAPTER 27

  Elena's POV

  "It's going to be okay, sweetheart. I won't let anyone hurt you."

  My heavy eyes flutter open and then close immediately when greeted by the bright overhead light. I try to lift my hand to shield my eyes but something is holding it down at my side.

  Angling my head down, I strain my heavy lids open and peep through my eyelashes to see a head of thick, black hair lying on the bed beside me, my hand cradled within a larger one. I lift my other hand and carefully brush my fingers through the thick locks of hair, mesmerized by how soft they were.

  Alec's head slowly lifts and then his sleepy eyes become suddenly alert when he sees me looking back at him. He sits up from his chair, the screeching sound of its legs scraping against the tiled floor, echoing in the quiet room.