The Next Day
Aurelia woke up to the rays of the sun shining on her face.
She grumbled softly, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand.
“Haven’t had enough sleep?”
She heard the familiar deep voice, and her heart skipped a beat.
She lowered her hands and looked at him.
Lucian was standing by the curtains, already dressed for work—strong, composed, and impossibly calm.
As she stared at him, the memories of the previous night crashed into her mind.
The alcohol had given her confidence… too much confidence. Now that she was sober, she couldn’t find even a fraction of that boldness.
Aurelia quickly looked away and yanked the sheets over her head.
She heard his footsteps approach—slow, controlled, deliberate.
Her breath hitched.
Then he tugged the sheets.
Aurelia held on tightly,
