CLAUDE
“CLAUDE. WAKE UP.”
The command cut through my hazy dreams, and I opened my eyes, instantly aware of Nikolia’s gaze boring into me. That look alone was enough to sharpen my senses.
“Christ, that was f*****g weird,” he muttered, his eyes flicking over my face.
I blinked, sitting up slowly and raking a hand through my hair. “What?”
“Your eyes.” He gave a frustrated sigh, one hand lifting as if to explain, then letting it drop. “Forget it. Afternoon now. Figured I’d wake you for—” He looked at the clock. “Lunch,” he corrected, sinking onto the bed’s edge with a smirk.
I froze as Nikolia’s hand found the back of my neck, his touch warm, possessive. He pulled me in, close enough that our breaths mingled, and he watched me like he was cataloging every flicker of my expression.
“When
