The next morning broke clear and crisp, the kind of day that made every colour in the world look brighter and sharper. I woke up before Damon did this time, lying on my side just watching him sleep. His dark hair was messy across the pillow, his face relaxed and peaceful, no trace of the hard, guarded look he used to wear every single day. It still felt like a miracle, sometimes, that this man—who I once thought hated me more than anything—was now the one who held my heart completely, and gave me his just as freely.
I reached out and brushed my fingers softly along his cheek, and almost immediately, his golden eyes fluttered open. A sleepy, warm smile spread across his face the second he saw me, like seeing me was the very best part of waking up.
“Morning,” he mumbled, his voice thick wi
