I wake slowly.
Not all at once.
Just drifting back, piece by piece.
Warmth is the first thing I notice.
Everywhere.
It’s heavy, grounding, like I’m being held in place.
Max’s arm is wrapped around my stomach, firm even in sleep, his hand resting low like it settled there and never moved again.
It makes my lips curve slightly.
He always holds me like that.
On my other side, Alex.
Closer than usual.
His head is buried against my chest, one arm draped loosely across me, his breathing slow and steady where I can feel it against my skin.
For a second I don’t move.
I just lie there between them, wrapped up in warmth, in quiet, in them.
Safe.
My fingers lift slowly, hesitating for just a second before they slip into Alex’s soft and silky hair.
Thick strands of black slipping betwe
