Chapter 26

**Angela’s POV**

Brad suffered from night terrors? Why didn’t I know this? My heart ached. He even denied it but I saw the way his body convulsed while he was asleep. I hadn’t expected this, but I shouldn’t have been surprised or hurt that he didn’t want to confess his ailment with me even after I had discovered it first-hand.

But I did feel hurt that he was essentially dismissing me. I knew he had pride but was it so hard to let me in just a bit?

Sighing, I began to exit.

“Angela?” I heard him call to me, his voice sounding unsure. I peered at him, “Will you...” he paused and I sensed he was second-guessing himself, “Stay with me, please?”

This was the first time I felt he was truly sincere and my breath caught. I knew I shouldn’t, me staying would spell danger but... the way he gazed into my eyes, as if he was silently begging not to be alone compelled me to agree.

I nodded, giving him a small smile. “I will sit by the chair.” I offered and gestured to take seat by the window.

“No.” He declared, “With me, in my bed.” He pleaded. Under normal circumstances, I would bark a resounding ‘no’ but this was not a usual occurrence. He was making some sort of step by allowing me to see him in this way.

“And if I do get into bed with you, what would follow?” I asked, I need to know that he wouldn’t capitalize on this opportunity to seduce me.

“Nothing. I just require your presence I assure you I would not even attempt to tempt you.” He paused and I nodded, feeling somewhat disappointed.

I was so deranged!

“Not,” He continued, “Unless you want me to.” He lowered his gaze, letting his eyes pass over me longingly and my entire body heated, my skin prickled with just the fiery touch of his eyes. “But not unless...”

“I know unless I beg!” I finished his sentence, “Which is still not going to happen, I rather die of sleep deprivation!” I vowed and saw him smile.

“So you have been sporting sleepless nights then?” I rolled my eyes at him; it was nice to see he hadn’t lost his charm!

“Do you want me to stay or not?” I asked and saw him bite back a smile. He shifted himself to one side and rose the coverlet so I could slide in beside him. My heart pounded viciously against my chest.

Why did this excite my anxiety? We were married! Yet I was feeling as if I was doing something forbidden.

And it excites you!

I ignored my subconscious. My eyes fell from Brad’s expecting glare and ran over him. Dear God! How had I missed it? He was bare; the only remnants of clothes were his boxers.

I didn’t think I would be able to survive another second in his presence. He was even more perfect without clothes! My head swirled and I felt light-headed.

Why am I refusing him again?

My eyes found his and his amused glare spoke of two things; he was aware that I was admiring his body and secondly, he was filled with desire himself.

Without my command, my legs carried me to his bed and I slid in. He arranged the covers to accommodate me. I settled in and didn’t dare face him. I turned to the opposite side.

I stopped breathing when he snaked his arm around me and pulled me against him, his hand resting on my stomach. I thanked God he couldn’t see my face. His embrace was tight, binding me to him. I then felt the rush of air against my nape and realized he’s buried his face at my neck.

I had never been in bed with a man before and now I went to just lying here to him embracing me and my thrilled heart would not stop its infernal drumming.

I felt him grip tighten and I knew whatever his dreams consisted of, they plagued his mind again. I steadied my breathing and found that I did find comfort in his arms. It was uncharted waters for me and I somehow wanted him to do more than just hold me.