Alexander:
I woke slowly.
And for the first in a while, the peace that I felt was one that I couldn’t describe.
It was not a responsibility that I was waking up to.
It was not lust.
Nor was it someone who was there to simply warm my bed before she left when I opened my eyes.
I woke to contentment.
Alessia was curled beside me, half tucked into my chest, her head resting on the pillow like she belonged there, like this was the only normal thing that we should expect. Her breathing was slow and even, lashes resting against her cheeks, lips parted slightly in sleep.
For a moment, I didn’t move.
I just looked at her.
I admired her. I allowed myself to give in to a peace that I didn’t think would exist in my world.
Then, carefully, not wanting to wake her up, I lifted my hand and br
