Pierce woke before his alarm, the pale blue light creeping through the blinds telling him it wasn't even six yet. He lay still for a moment, listening to the quiet hum of the apartment and the steady breathing beside him. Cade had rolled halfway onto Pierce sometime during the night, one arm draped lazily across his waist, his face buried in the pillow. A few months ago, Pierce would've stayed exactly where he was, grateful just to wake up alive. This morning, though, all he could think about was the workout he'd planned.
He eased himself out of bed carefully, trying not to wake Cade. His chest still tightened every morning, the scar stretching as he reached for his sweatshirt, but it loosened after a few minutes now. That had to mean something. His endurance had improved. He was lifting
