I woke slowly, my body feeling like lead. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting golden patterns across the rumpled sheets. Every muscle ached in unfamiliar ways, especially between my thighs. The soreness was a stark reminder of the night before—of Rhys and everything we'd shared.
My cheeks flushed hot at the memory.
Turning my head carefully, I found Rhys still asleep beside me. His face was relaxed in sleep, all the hard lines of anger and arrogance smoothed away. He looked younger, almost vulnerable. His injured arm was draped protectively around my waist, holding me close even in sleep.
I couldn't help but stare at him—at the sculpted planes of his chest, the dark stubble shadowing his jaw, the way his eyelashes fanned against his cheeks. Last night, he'd called me his fairy after we'd finished, cradling me against his chest as if I was something precious. The memory made my heart flutter.