Lance
I woke up early, not because of the alarm or work, but because I could feel the warmth of Alice's body tucked against my chest, her slow breathing brushing against my neck.
For a moment, I kept my eyes closed, trying to carve that second into memory—the peaceful look on her face, the way her hair spilled across the pillow, the unconscious way she held onto me even in her sleep.
If I could stop time, I would have.
But I know, I can't.
Carefully, I eased her arm from around my waist and slowly sat up. I didn't want to wake her. More than that, I didn't want Lemuel waking up and finding me here.
I slipped out of the room quietly, adjusting my weight with each step to avoid making any sound. I settled in the living room, sitting on the sofa, before leaning back as if
