The Buddy System. *Updating In Process*

40. The Lines We Cross for Each Other

Actually preened.

"Well that's because I'm awesome," he said smugly, tightening his arm around me. "And very manly. And that is exactly what a man should do—make his woman feel safe."

I snorted. "Oh absolutely. So manly. Merlin forbid anyone threaten me — you might accidentally flirt with them or grab their arse in your sleep."

"HEY—!" Draco sputtered.

I didn't even have time to grin before he retaliated — fingers diving straight for my ribs.

"Take it back!" he ordered, trying not to laugh as he tickled mercilessly.

"NEVER—!" I yelped between gasps of laughter. "THIS IS— ABUSE—!"

"Say Draco Malfoy is very manly!"

"DRACO MALFOY IS—A—MENACE—TO SOCIETY—!"

He lunged.

I shrieked.

And then he tackled me gently onto my back, hovering over me with a wicked grin before crashing his mouth onto mine again — a kiss that swallowed the rest of my laughter and replaced it with something warm and breathless and entirely intoxicating.

When he finally pulled away, both of us flushed and smiling, he whispered, "Goodnight, Rae."

My heart melted.

"Goodnight, Draco."

One moment I was curled into Draco's chest, eyelids fluttering.
The next, the world dissolved into warmth and steady breathing.

I didn't even feel myself drift off.

But Draco?

Draco stayed awake just a little longer.

✦ Draco POV ✦

Her breathing evened out against my collarbone — soft, slow, the kind of rhythm that tugged at something fragile inside me.

Rae's hand had slipped up under the fabric of my shirt, palm warm against my skin. Not intentional. Not seductive.
Just trust.

She trusted me.

Merlin, that alone nearly undid me.

I brushed a strand of hair from her face, careful not to wake her. She looked younger when she slept. Peaceful. Like the weight she carried in daylight finally loosened its grip.

I swallowed hard.

"I'm really bloody gone for you," I whispered into the top of her head.

She didn't stir.

Good.
Because I'd rather be Cruciated than repeat those words while conscious.

"I'll keep you safe," I murmured next, voice barely audible even to myself.
"I swear it. From your nightmares. From the memories. From all of it."

My thumb traced the back of her hand.

"And tomorrow... I'll make you smile. That's a promise."

She let out a tiny sleep-sigh and nuzzled closer.

Draco felt his chest cave in.

"Yeah," he breathed. "Definitely gone."

Sleep finally claimed him, his forehead resting against hers.

✦ Raelyn POV ✦

Soft sunlight filtered through my curtains — pale, golden, gentle. Birds chirped outside the window. Something warm and solid was wrapped around me.