Sunlight filtered through the bedroom window, washing the rumpled sheets in hues of silver and rose.
Zane, already dressed in a crisp white shirt that hugged his broad shoulders, paused beside the dresser, fastening his cufflinks. His tie lay discarded for now.
His gaze drifted to the bed, to the soft rise beneath the duvet where Aria slept, lost in dreams. Her blonde hair spilled across the pillow and over her shoulders like liquid gold, catching the pale light.
A small smile touched his lips.
She was still asleep.
Late.
Aria was never this difficult to wake in the mornings.
Frowning faintly, he crossed the room. The floorboards creaked softly under his weight as he leaned over her, brushing his thumb along the delicate curve of her cheek. Her skin was warm, soft as velvet.
“Baby?
