Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Astrid’s POV
Kaeleen’s words hung in the air, heavy and potent. They resonated within me, stirring up emotions I had long suppressed. He saw something in me, something I had convinced myself no longer existed. He saw strength, resilience, and beauty. But I couldn’t allow myself to believe him. I couldn’t afford to hope.
Ignoring the warmth that had begun to spread through my chest, I turned my back to him and lay down on the bed. Sleep was a welcome escape, a temporary reprieve from the turmoil within.
"You are just going to ignore me?" Kaeleen asked me.
I didn’t say anything. I hated the feelings he evoked in me. This was something that even Leon hadn’t been able to evoke. I hated it..oh who was I kidding. I liked it. I liked it a bit too much which was why I hated it.
"I hope one day, you can see what I see too." He said quietly.
The mattress dipped slightly as Kaeleen settled in behind me, but I kept my back turned, my body rigid. I focused on slowing my breathing, willing myself to drift off. It took a while, but eventually, exhaustion won, and I succumbed to the darkness.
When I woke, the first rays of dawn were filtering through the small window. I glanced over my shoulder, careful not to disturb Kaeleen. He was still asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful. He looked handsome. I wanted to run my hands through his chest, trace the tattoos peeking out from the sleeve of his shirt.