Whatever the reason, he reluctantly pulls the cushions from the back of my couch. He pauses, looking like he’s about to change his mind. Then he slides in behind me. At first, his hold is stiff and uncomfortable. But as he begins to relax, the tension in his face eases. He strokes my hair and whispers, “Shhh.” Whatever comfort he’s giving me, I’m giving at least that much back just by being a warm body for him to hold at a time when he needs it most. I snuggle closer to him in my sleep and my whimpering subsides to a contented sigh. It almost hurts to see Raffe closing his eyes and holding me
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