Chapter 56
I..." Her chest rose and fell in uneven breaths. "I can't..."
Mason immediately raised both hands.
"Hey….I'm sorry." He kept his voice calm. "I wasn't trying to frighten you."
She squeezed her eyes shut. "...don't ever let me wake up like that again…. please."
Understanding settled over him with painful clarity.
His stomach twisted with sharp pain and he nodded. "I promise."
Her breathing slowly steadied. She pressed trembling fingers against her forehead then she swallowed. "I know you weren't trying to hurt me."
The words sounded almost apologetic. "But...."
She laughed bitterly. "..... don't do that again."
For a long moment neither of them spoke, just staring at each other. Finally Mason nodded.
"I'll wake you next time…I'm so sorry."
"You don't have to apologize
