An Unexpected Morning

I woke to the sound of steady breathing beside me. For a moment, I kept my eyes closed, savoring the warmth of another body next to mine. Then reality hit me—Adrian was still here.

My eyes flew open. Sure enough, there he was, sound asleep in my bed. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across his face. I'd never seen him like this before. Peaceful. Vulnerable. Human.

My heart skipped a beat. Adrian never stayed the night. Never. Our routine was as predictable as clockwork: passionate sex, maybe some conversation, and then he'd leave after I fell asleep. This was new territory, and I had no idea what it meant.

I studied his face, taking advantage of this rare opportunity. His usually perfect hair was tousled, a lock falling across his forehead. His jawline was dusted with stubble. Even in sleep, he looked powerful—but somehow softer.