Kaden always fulfilled his promises. That included pushing her into as many positions as humanly possible within the span of one night. On her back, on her stomach, on her hands and knees, the list went on.

  Eventually, each surface of their bedroom was utilized.

  Kaden had pinned her against the wall, bent her over the couch, and placed her on the floor, until her throat was hoarse from her sweet cries. Only after he had emptied at least a generation of children inside of her and tears filled her eyes from exhaustion, did he pause. That, and the sun was rising.

  "Where do you find the energy for this?" Lina grumbled, barely able to open her limbs as he massaged her in the water.

  Lina could hear the maids quickly cleaning up their bedroom, changing the sheets, and fluffing the pillows. She knew they always received large bonuses for working fast and efficiently. Kaden paid his workers well. That filled her with more relief than mortification of the employees knowing what they had just done. He always assured her that they were all grown adults who didn't have the mind of a child.

  "Frequent exercises," Kaden murmured, pressing a hot kiss on her shoulders.

  Lina let out a soft moan, only to freeze when she felt something poke her lower back. He was easing the knots from her shoulders, his hands working magic on her skin.

  "I hope you're not expecting more rounds as payment for my massage," Lina tiredly yawned, barely able to keep her eyes open. She was exhausted. Her eyelids were heavy and she wanted to sleep. Desperately.

  "There goes my plan," Kaden deadpanned.

  Once Kaden loosened all the sore spots in her upper body and lower torso, he grabbed the loofah and decided to help clean her as well. With her situated between his legs, it was difficult not to become aroused. Especially with her little behind wriggling on his body, adjusting for a comfortable position.

  "Ha……ha…" Lina's voice drowned off as she leaned her head against his firm chest.

  Lina always loved how strong he was. He could protect her in any form necessary. A defender and provider. Yet, she could do both. But sometimes, it felt nice to have other people do it in her stead. A break from independence.

  "You shouldn't sleep in the bath, dove. You'll catch a cold," Kaden murmured, bringing the rose-scented bath wash all over her body. Massaging her scalp and shampooing her hair was the first thing he did in the bathtub. It was the least he could do, after grabbing it into a ponytail and yanking her head back whilst thrusting deeper into her.

  "Hm…"

  Ever since Lina was upset by his absence in bed, Kaden made sure he was attentive to her afterward. There was always cuddling, small talk, and baths following their copious rounds of lovemaking. He wanted her to be comfortable when she slept. He wanted to pamper her until there was no return. But he also wanted to shatter her in bed, to watch her eyes roll back, and her lips part in climax. He couldn't decide which he wanted more.

  "Since morning is approaching soon, why don't we have our morning session now and—"

  Lina snored.

  Kaden let out a small laugh. He poked her cheek and her head lolled to the side like a rag doll. He shook his head at how quickly she slept. Was that a compliment? He heard people fell asleep the quickest when they were comfortable. Would that mean she was the most comfortable around him? He hoped so.

  Kaden instantly drained the water, wrapped her in a towel, and carried her to the bed. He hoped she would not dream anymore. Seeing as she had nightmares the last time he wasn't around, he decided to accompany her to bed.

  "I will slay any beast in your head and chase the monsters from under your bed," Kaden softly reassured her.

  Kaden pulled the blankets over her body, quickly dried himself off, and slipped under the sheets with her. A tiny noise escaped her mouth in protest, most likely from the bed dipping. He gently pulled her into his arms, spooning her for the entire night. Nothing reassured Kaden more than the fact that she was beside him. That, she was in his arms and he was safely protecting her. It was all that he cared for. It was all that mattered——

  Lina slept the best she had ever done for the longest time. Sleep weighed heavily on her eyes, but she opened them anyway. Her eyes felt dry early in the morning, but she rubbed them regardless. Once she glanced around, she realized it was no longer morning. The clock read 2 in the afternoon. To no one's surprise.

  Kaden had kept her up all night yesterday. Her entire body was sore and tender, despite his massaging. She could still picture the same fingers that were inside of her had eased their way onto her skin.

  "For a vampire, you sleep a lot," Lina said under her breath.

  Lina felt a heavyweight hugging the dip of her body. She was lying on her side, one leg curled and the other held down by what felt like a wooden log. His limbs were strong, even in his sleep. She always liked sleeping on her side, it was more comfortable.

  Even so, Lina managed to wriggle and writhe her way into facing him. There, she saw Kaden was fast asleep. She was glad all her turning didn't disturb him. He needed the rest.

  "How are you possibly real?" Lina murmured, watching him sleep.

  Kaden's brows were taut and his face was serious. Sometimes, he slept with a nonchalant expression. Other times, he resembled a man ready for war. His grip tightened on her as he grumbled something under his breath. She placed a hand over his, wondering what he was dreaming about.

  At the sudden contact, his eyes snapped open.

  Lina froze. He blinked, staring deeply into her eyes.

  "Did you have a bad dream?" Lina asked in a patient and understanding tone.

  Kaden let out a small laugh, but his wild gaze said everything. He felt his heart in his throat, the terror undying. How could it?

  Kaden saw her pale neck. There was nothing there. It was smooth and unblemished like fresh cream. He reached a hand out and touched her collarbone. His fingers traveled upwards, like a necklace on her throat.

  "Yes," Kaden managed to say. His thumb brushed the soft and sensitive skin of her neck. Then, he pulled her close and kissed her chin.

  Lina didn't need to ask for further details. She knew what transpired within his thoughts. She knew the nightmares that plagued them both. Instead of saying something, she snuggled into his embrace, relishing in his heat. He responded by hugging her tighter, his lips to her forehead.

  Lina could feel the slight tremble of his hand. One of them was caressing up her spine, feeling the length of it. She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped. His tender voice interrupted her, almost a reassurance to her, but she knew it was also meant for him.

  "But it is just a dream," Kaden said…… "No matter how real it seems."