Chapter 18: Heart to heart.

The room is engulfed in darkness when I hear the faint noise of the door being opened slowly. I groan and bury my head deeper into Jake's blankets, sleep washing over my body. His scent radiates off everything and it's the only place I feel comfort. I've automatically associated his scent with safety so when I can't sleep, his room is my safe haven.

The mattress dips and I feel him settle beside me, his presence causing the hairs on the back of my neck to prick with anticipation. Despite being half asleep, I reach out, my hand resting on his arm.

"Where have you been?" I mumble sleepily. He wraps an arm around me, pulling me closer towards him.

"It doesn't matter, go back to sleep." Jake whispers, his warm breath tickling my ear. I sigh contently and press further into him, getting comfortable. Jake coughs behind me and clears his throat, adjusting himself. I groan in protest and open one eye, turning halfway to question him —

"What's wrong?"