Aria's POV
I woke to sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows and the unfamiliar weight of an arm draped across my waist.
For a moment, I didn't remember where I was. Then it all came rushing back: the dinner, the painting, Julian's hands on my body, the way he'd whispered my name like a prayer. Heat flooded my cheeks, and I pressed my face into the pillow to hide my smile.
I'd done it. I'd actually done it.
Julian stirred beside me, his arm tightening around my waist, pulling me closer until my back was flush against his chest. His skin was warm against mine, his breath tickling my neck. "Good morning," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep. "Please tell me you're not regretting last night."
"No regrets," I said, and my body felt different: awakened, alive, like every ne
