The sunlight drifted lazily through the curtains, warm streaks painting soft golden lines across the bed. For a moment, Amara forgot the weight of the world outside. She simply lay there, nestled against Damien’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear. It felt safe. It felt like a dream she never thought she’d be allowed to have.
She stirred, slowly lifting her head. Damien was already awake, his eyes half-open, watching her. His dark hair was tousled, his expression softer than she had ever seen it. The dangerous edge he wore so often was gone, replaced with a quiet tenderness reserved only for her.
For a moment, they simply stared at each other. The air between them was different now, heavier with unspoken promises. Amara’s mind whirled with questions, w
