Control

Strïth POV

I'm trying hard to stay awake, to stay close to Ayla, I know she needs me right now. Neither Soren nor Victor nor anyone else will be able to get Ayla out of her shell.

Having her in my arms helps me, it's as if I can take some of her energy to stay alert, but I think Ayla knows that because she's always holding my hand or staying close.

I kiss the top of her head and stroke her arm lightly, listening to her sighs of pleasure and feeling her body so relaxed cheers me up, and makes me happy.

Soren is watching everything, and he's hurt, and disappointed because he tries to show Ayla that she can trust him, but he's never managed to get any emotion out of her. I thought that because of the bracelets their connection would grow, but Ayla is sure of her convictions and still can't understand that Soren wants her.

'Klaus was an asshole, an idiot.' Soren complained in my mind.

'Yes, he was.' I agreed.

I heard a knock on the door and then Victor came in carrying a trolley. I looked