It was a mystery to Jouno how you had managed to put your trust in a man as sadistic as him. It was a mystery how you allowed him to rest with his head on your chest, your steady heartbeat in his ear, as his hands grip onto you as if you might leave him someday. Not that he'd ever let you, though.

Laying here and listening to your heartbeat was arguably the most relaxing thing he had ever done, which was ironic considering his line of work and how it demanded him to be on edge all the time. When he brought it up with you, you'd laughed in agreement. These little moments only reinforced his desire to keep you close and protect you.

Quiet times like this were his favorite, and he'd be willing to turn a blind "ear" to any calls as long as it meant he could rest here with you just a bit longer. He was jolted out of his thoughts when he felt you move to push him off to get up gently, but that only resulted in him gripping you tighter. "Don't leave just yet. Just stay here."