-Julien Grayson:
When Ezra suggested carrying back to pack, I thought I heard him wrong, but I didn't. My body was tired from walking, and I couldn't say no to being carried by those strong, warm arms. The warmth of his arms didn't leave me, not even as sleep took me under.
It stayed—wrapped around me, solid and unyielding, like something I could sink into without thinking. His hold had been firm but careful, one arm beneath my knees, the other supporting my back, keeping me close against his chest. I had shifted at some point, nestling closer without even realizing it, my cheek pressed against the side of his neck where his skin was warm and slightly damp from the walk.
His scent surrounded me.
