Adeline's lashes fluttered slowly, and she stretched forward. Her eyes finally opened, and she let them take in her environment. Lucan was sitting up next to her, his robe open, his hair slightly damp like he had been to the bath house, his eyes glistening with pride and tenderness.
He watched her as she slowly regained consciousness, then smiled up at him, her smile seeking to compete with the sun.
"You are awake," she said, her voice low.
Lucan gave a small nod. "I wanted to watch you sleep for a while longer."
Adeline felt her stomach churn at the rawness of his confession, and all over again, the words from last night filtered back into her mind.
"I... I have been told I am hideous when I sleep."
Lucan gave a slow nod, then brought his hand I front of his eyes. He squinted the
