Chapter 7

Morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, painting the bedroom in soft shades of gold and cream. I woke slowly, my body heavy with the sweet ache of the night before. For a moment, I didn't remember where I was. Then I felt the warmth of his body beside me, and everything came flooding back. He was still asleep, his arm draped across my waist, his face relaxed in a way I rarely saw. In sleep, he looked younger, the lines of command and tension smoothed away. I propped myself up on my elbow and watched him, my heart swelling with a feeling I couldn't quite name. Carefully, I traced the line of his jaw with my fingertip. He stirred, his brow furrowing, then his eyes opened. For a second, he looked confused. Then he saw me, and a slow smile spread across his face. "Good morning, princess." "Good morning." I leaned down and kissed him softly, a gentle press of lips that felt more intimate than anything we had done the night before. He pulled me closer, deepening the kiss, his hand sliding into my hair. The kiss lengthened, growing more urgent, and I felt him harden against my