Hazel’s POV
I was drifting in that warm, heavy place between sleep and waking when I felt it—cold fingers gently brushing across my cheek.
The touch was soft, almost careful, like someone afraid I might break. My first sleepy thought was Nicholas. He had stayed by my side all night. Maybe he was checking if I was still breathing. A small smile tugged at my lips even before I opened my eyes.
But when my lashes finally lifted, it wasn’t Nicholas staring down at me.
Instead I was met with striking green eyes.
I jerked upright so fast my head spun. A scream rose in my throat, but before it could escape, his hand clamped firmly over my mouth. His palm was cool and slightly damp, like he had just stepped out of water.
“Hey…I’m not going to hurt you,” he whispered, his voice rough and low,
