Aria's POV
He pulled me against his chest, still breathing hard, but I felt the exact moment the medications began to win. His grip loosened slightly, his breathing deepened. 'Fuck,' he mumbled, fighting it. 'The meds...'
'It's okay,' I whispered. 'Sleep.'
His hand found mine, lacing our fingers together as his body went heavy against me. "Aria?" Damien's voice was drowsy—the medications kicking in.
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for not giving up on me, on us."
"Never." I squeezed him gently. "I'm never giving up on us again."
"Good." His breathing was slowing. "Because I'm keeping you forever. You and Noah both, you are my family."
"Your family," I echoed softly.
He fell asleep holding me, and I stayed there, listening to his breathing, feeling his warmth, and marveling at how much had changed.
A year ago—hell, a few months ago—I would have run. Would have assumed the worst. But not anymore.
