Olivia stirred, the warmth against her cheek felt surreal. It took her a second to remember where she was. When her eyes opened,the first thing she saw was Damon. his face inches away from hers, eyes closed, lips parted slightly, his breath warm against her forehead.
For a moment, she didn't move. Shewatched the faint lines of exhaustion under his eyes. How many nights had passed like this? How long had he been keeping watch while she slept, pretending to be stronger than he was? And how long was it going to continue?
"You're staring again," Damon murmured suddenly, eyes still closed.
She jolted, heart leaping. "I thought you were asleep."
"I was," he said, opening one eye slowly, a teasing glint in it. "But I always wake up when you start admiring me like a painting."
Olivia scoffed, cheeks heating. "Your grace, you have developed delusions too."
But he only chuckled, and before she could retreat, he caught her hand and tugged her closer, his arm slipping around her waist.
