52

SIRA

He laid beside me staring blankly at me when I was asleep, I pretended to turn and stir in my pretend sleep— Watching him through my eyelids that were slightly opened.

Slowly I could hear my heart beating, thudding beneath my chest —Beside me he laid close on the sofa that was big enough for two, leaning on his elbow to watch me like I was some beautiful creature.

I sensed him rolling over, but didn't open my eyes to look into the amber eyes that were staring at me— At that moment, I made no move to look at him and instead tried to steady my breathing.

It was no use. As I inhaled, my breath quivered betraying her emotional state—

For a minute, I thought he had me figured out as I was blinking rapidly, a stray breath fled from me again.

This time I could hear the bed weight move from beside me.

The covers rustled beside me and then I felt his finger move across my face as though catching each of my breaths.

“Are you awake, Sira.” His voice was deep yet gentle as though he