The morning sunlight spilled into the room like liquid gold, illuminating the soft curves of Madeline’s body as she lay half-covered by the thin sheets. Julian stirred awake, his eyes drawn to her peaceful form, her dark hair cascading across the pillow like an invitation. For a moment, he simply watched her breathe, the rise and fall of her chest a grounding rhythm in the stillness of dawn.
But stillness couldn’t hold him long. He reached out, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her lips parted slightly, and her eyelids fluttered open.
“Good morning,” she murmured, her voice husky with sleep.
Julian smirked, his voice low. “Good morning, beautiful.”
Madeline stretched, the sheet slipping further down her body to reveal the smooth curve of her back. Julian leaned in, p
