The Heir

Chapter 59

I wake with a start, sweating and shaking. My chest heaves with labored breaths as I frantically look around. Hannah is fast asleep in her own bed, snoring lightly. The moon is shining through the windows casting shadows across the room.

I quietly slip out of bed and put on my slippers. I open the door slowly, hoping it won't creak too loud. The hallway lights are dimmed to reflect the nighttime. There's no one else in the hall as I make my way to the other side of the floor.

I hesitate as I stare at the wooden door. I rap my knuckles against it before taking a hurried step back and bite on the inside of my cheek. What the hell am I doing? Sneaking off to his room in the middle of the night? I shouldn't be here; I shouldn't be looking to him for comfort.

My thoughts are cut short when the door opens. Duke rubs his eyes as he peers into the hallway. He's wearing striped pajama bottoms but no shirt. His toned muscles are only accentuated by the low lights.

"What's up princess?" he rasps, voice thick from sleep.

"Nothing, I-" I shake my head. I'm not even sure how to explain this.

I didn't tell him what happened with Rome. Didn't tell him about being kidnapped. About my brother killing someone. About any of it. So how the fuck can I explain these goddamned nightmares?

"Come here," Duke holds his arms open.

I wrap my arms around him tightly, burying my face in his chest. He's quick to hold me close, his one hand stroking down my hair. I can't help it as the tears begin to fall down my cheeks. I keep my face hidden in his chest, though, even as a sob slips through my lips.

"Jesus Christ, Elle," Duke breathes out. "What the fuck is going on?"

I simply shake my head, still refusing to look at him. I don't want him to see me cry. I don't want anyone to see me cry. Why did I think this was a good idea?

"Come in," Duke breaks the embrace and all but shoves me into his dorm room. "My roommate's in the infirmary with the flu."

I glance both ways down the hall before entering his room. It's pitch black save for the moonlight. There's dirty laundry covering the floor and an impressive stack of empty water bottles beside his roommate's bed.

"What's going on princess?" Duke urges me towards his bed.

I hop onto the unmade sheets, "I had a bad dream."

"I'm sorry," he says softly. He comes to stand between my legs and takes my hands in his. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really," I reply. I keep my gaze focused on our joined hands.

"Does it have to do with why you went home last week?" he asks.

"Yeah," I nod. "It does."

Duke climbs onto the bed beside me, wrapping his arm around my waist. I lean my head on his shoulder with a sigh. I'm not supposed to be vulnerable like this in front of people, that was the deal. But it was like someone else was in control as I came to Duke's room. There was little thought when I decided that he was the person who could help.

"Come here," Duke groans as he lays back, pulling me with him in the process. I fall into him before resting my head on his chest. His heart beats rapidly against my ear. His one arm wraps around me and holds me close.

"Talk to me, pretty girl," he whispers.

His fingers begin to comb through my hair and I close my eyes. I don't know how nor why but him playing with my hair is making my heart rate steady out. I'm finally able to take a deep breath.