CHAPTER 36

Evelyn POV

I snuggle deeper into what feels like a pillow beneath me, but something is different—it's warm, firm, yet oddly comforting. Slowly, I open my eyes, blinking against the dim light. My heart skips a beat when I realize I’m not lying on a pillow at all. I’m lying on Shivaay.

Panic flutters in my chest, but it quickly fades, replaced by a surprising sense of calm. I've never slept on top of anyone before, much less on my stomach like this. And yet, here I am, in the most peaceful slumber I’ve had in a long time, cradled by his steady heartbeat.

My breath catches as I shift slightly, finding myself face to-face with him, his warm breath brushing against my skin. He's still asleep, his features softened in the early morning light. Without thinking, I raise a hand, the urge to touch him overwhelming. I gently run my fingertips along the curve of his cheek. His skin is warm under my touch, and the quiet sigh he lets out makes my heart flutter.