After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 301

The morning sun spilled through the window, warming the edge of the bed and brushing softly over Catherine’s smooth skin.

Blinking against the brightness, Catherine instinctively rolled over and tucked her face into Lawrence’s chest, hoping for a few more minutes of sleep.

Lawrence’s hand moved gently through her hair. His eyes were rimmed with red, but the look he gave her was nothing but tender. He hadn’t slept at all that night, too worried about the aftereffects of the drug. He’d stayed awake, watching over her the whole time.

Now, seeing the gentle blush in her cheeks and the way her face had relaxed, he finally started to feel at ease.

Catherine was already awake. She kept her eyes closed, pretending to sleep. Even though her head was still a little fuzzy from the night before, she remembered everything that had happened, and embarrassment kept her from meeting his gaze.

She felt his eyes on her, warm and gentle, and the familiar scent of him filled her senses. Her heart beat a little faster. Unable to help herself, she nuzzled closer to his chest.

“You’re awake, aren’t you?” Lawrence’s voice was low and rough.

Catherine gave up pretending. Her lashes fluttered as she opened her eyes, lifting her head slowly until she met his gaze. His eyes were full of concern, the red in them proof he hadn’t slept a wink.

“Yeah,” she whispered. As soon as she remembered how forward she’d been last night and all the things she’d said and done, her face turned bright red. She tried to hide under the blanket.

Lawrence didn’t let her. He pulled her closer, his chin resting gently on her head as he sighed. “Are you feeling okay? Do you want to go to the hospital?”

Catherine shook her head, cheeks still burning. She took a moment to check in with herself. Aside from feeling a little tired, she was fine.

“I’m okay. I just want to go home and get some real sleep,” she said. But behind her words, anger flickered in her eyes. Shirley. She wasn’t going to let her get away with this.

Catherine slipped her arms around his neck, her voice soft. “Okay.”

When they left the hotel, Lawrence carried her all the way to the car. Catherine didn’t want to go back to her apartment at Nexus Dynamics. She wanted to go home with him to rest.

Lawrence’s driver took them, and Catherine rested her head on Lawrence’s shoulder. He held her hand the whole way, making her feel safe. The fear and anxiety from the night before faded, replaced by a deep sense of comfort.

Back at his place, Lawrence carried her to the master bedroom. The room was quiet, the bed freshly made and sun-warmed, with the faint scent of clean laundry in the air. Catherine took a quick shower and slipped between the sheets. Lawrence joined her after his own shower.

She was completely exhausted. Maybe the effects of the drug hadn’t fully worn off, or maybe she was just drained. Either way, she soon drifted into a deep sleep.

Lawrence headed to the living room. He was sure this had all been Shirley’s doing. Now that she’d married into the James family, she might think she was untouchable. But when The James Group finally fell, she’d lose all her power. He wouldn’t make a move yet, but sooner or later, he’d make sure Shirley paid for everything she’d done.