Morning sun poured through the curtains, gentle and golden, but I experienced nothing but a cold chill within. I laid quiet for a second, while hearing James's regular breath next to me. He had already gone back into bed several hours ago, curling up under the covers as if nothing had occurred. But I knew better.
I turned to face him, forcing a soft smile when his eyes fluttered open.
“Morning,” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
“Morning,” I replied, keeping my tone light.
James stretched, then reached over, brushing his fingers down my arm in a lazy, affectionate touch. “You slept well?”
“Like a baby, I lied, sitting up before he could look too closely at me.
Ethan’s giggle echoed from down the hall, followed by the patter of little feet. Instantly, the door flew wide open, a
