Chapter 7

After a late-night bite, I cleaned up and settled next to Adrian, intending to keep him company as he rested. His familiar aroma was soothing, helping to ease the day's stress. While his body remained warm, it had lost some of its former firmness. The months of bed rest had caused his muscles to atrophy, yet I still found his broad shoulders and residual strength attractive. Despite everything, he remained impressive to me.

The day's events had unexpectedly brought us closer. I felt a connection I hadn't foreseen—an intimacy that seemed to deepen with each moment. His genuine care for me was something I hadn't experienced in a long time. The realization that I was here beside him made me feel a sense of security I'd never known before. In the solitude, I could be myself, resting near him, feeling his warmth.