Meryl's POV
The darkness in my room felt heavier than usual when strong arms wrapped around me from behind. My heart hammered against my ribs as panic flooded through me. A scream caught in my throat before a familiar voice whispered against my ear.
"Don't be afraid. It's just me. Andre."
Every muscle in my body went slack with relief, though confusion quickly replaced the fear. I tried to twist around to face him, but his grip tightened, keeping me pressed against his chest. His lips found that tender spot below my ear where his mark still tingled, sending fire racing through my veins.
"Andre," I breathed, my voice barely audible. "What are you doing here? You told me you needed space. You said—"
"I remember what I said," he interrupted, his voice rough with something I couldn't name. His hands traced down my sides, settling on my hips with possessive heat. "I tried to give us both what I thought we needed. Tried to be the responsible one for once."
