Chapter 16

Kierian-

I finished with my shower before Liam and Sylvie returned. When I returned to the living room, Aryan was sleeping on the couch, in a sitting position. I thought about waking her up, but she looked exhausted.

Quietly stepping out of the living room, I went to the closet of my room. Grabbing an extra blanket that I had, I returned to the living room. Setting it aside, I gently helped her lay down on the couch, so she could be more comfortable.

After she was lying down flat, I covered her with the blanket. Lowering myself to my knees, I couldn’t help but watch her sleep for a bit. She looked more beautiful now than she did when she was awake. There was a level of vulnerability that softened her edges.

At the same time, I could see that the tough demeanor she usually showed was nothing more than a façade. It only made me want to protect her more than I already did. Reaching out, I was just about to touch her face, to brush away a stray strand of hair, but quickly pulled back when