I woke up without Maximus on my side. I turned my head and saw him outside on the veranda, leaning against the rail. His jaw was set, his eyes fixed on the horizon like he had been awake long before me.
I pulled the blanket around my shoulders and stepped out quietly. Wrapping my arms around his waist from behind, I felt the slow rise of his chest as he let out a long breath.
“Maximus,” I whispered against his back.
He turned slightly, his hand finding mine. “Good morning.”
“You’re up early,” I murmured, resting my cheek against him.
He finally faced me and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. His voice was calm but steady.
“I already filed a leave for us. Starting today, you’re not going back to the office until this is over.”
I blinked at him, taken aback by what he said.
“You
