Octavia
I woke up early in the morning to find Valerio still fast asleep beside me. His strong arm was wrapped around me, holding me close. I couldn’t help but lie there, admiring my handsome mate. He usually looked so serious, but in sleep, he appeared relaxed and at peace.
Slowly, I reached out and traced my fingers along his face—from his chin and jawline to his neck, where a small scar rested—then down to his shoulder and chest, where three long scars marked his skin and ruined the tattooed names on his skin. I gently followed the contours of those names when, suddenly, his grip tightened, pulling me even closer.
Valerio lowered his head to my neck and inhaled deeply, sending a shiver through me.
“Morning, little mate,” he whispered in my ear.
I couldn’t help but smile. “Morning.”
