13

-NORTH-

ONCE HE'Ssatisfied that I've eaten and drunk enough, I climb into the bed. My body aches satisfyingly as I crawl under the sheet, fighting to keep my eyes open. That was hands down the hottest sex we've had so far, and to make it even better, he's staying the night with me. I feel almost giddy.

He strips off his clothes carefully until he's in just his top and boxers. I don't miss how he keeps his back away from me as he does, hiding his scar in case his top rides up. But that's ok, I want him to be comfortable, and I'm more than happy with the progress we've made today. His struggle was painfully clear as he told me about Paul and the scar, and I don't want to spook him. One step at a time.

After a brief hesitation he climbs onto the bed next to me, carefully, not looking me in the eye. He's meek, and it's really damn weird. For the first time since I've known him he seems unsure of himself, almost shy. It makes me want to stretch my arms around his wide shoulders and squeeze, and tell him that it's ok, it's just me. But that would probably be a bad idea.

He doesn't get under the covers either, just lies down stiffly on top, like a body in a casket. It occurs to me that I've never actually seen him sleeping before. Maybe he sleeps like a vampire every night.

"Goodnight, Mal," I say.

He grunts in response, his eyes already closed.

He can deny it all he wants, but I know I mean more to him than he'll admit. He tries to be cold and distant on the outside, but I know him now, and he can't hide his true feelings from me. Even if he can hide them from himself.

Whatever this barrier is that he holds up around himself, I'm going to break through it. I'm going to break into him, and make him mine, until he can't hide from me anymore.

A smile spreads across my face. And I'm totally going to spoon him when he's asleep.