Phoenix:
I woke up warm. Limbs tangled. Skin on skin.
For a second, I didn’t move. I just... listened. The steady thrum of Ryder’s heartbeat under my cheek. The weight of his arm heavy across my waist. The rise and fall of his chest against mine.
It was still early—morning light slipping in through the blinds, touching the edges of the room like a secret. And everything in me wanted to stay frozen in that moment. Just... still.
I turned my head slowly, carefully, not wanting to wake him yet. His face was inches from mine—peaceful, slack with sleep. Long lashes brushing high cheekbones, his lips slightly parted. One arm was tucked under the pillow, the other wrapped around me like he was afraid I’d disappear overnight.
And God, maybe I had been the type to disappear before.
But not no
