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I smiled and carried her out of the piano room. Pushing her door open, I walked inside and laid her down in the middle of her bed. But when I was about to step back, I felt something tighten around my lapel, stopping me from stepping away.
Ayla’s fingers were wrapped around my shirt. She was still sleeping.
I placed my hand on hers and gently unwrapped her fingers. They tightened slightly but I was able to get them off, keeping my eyes on her face the whole time. When I saw her eyebrows furrow, I sighed and sat down on the bed beside her.
I couldn’t bring myself to leave. Instead, I surprised myself by lying down beside Ayla. I wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her closer. She burrowed further into my chest, as if seeking the warmth and comfort I offered. Her fingers wrapped around my jacket again as she clung to me tightly.
And I was just as content to hold her just as tightly in return.
I placed a kiss on her temple and looked down at her sleeping face. For the longest time, I laid there with her in arms, her head tucked underneath my chin.
Just for moment, I told myself. Just for a few more minutes.
Chapter 44
Ayla
I could feel the warm sunlight but I refused to open my eyes. Instead, I snuggled closer against the warmth beside me. I was too comfortable and languid to even move.
So warm, I thought to myself, wrapping my arms tighter around the warmth. I sighed in utter contentment and buried my face in the chest next to me.
But as I cuddled closer, a strange thought registered in my mind.
My eyes snapped opened and I quickly blinked the sleepiness away, only to find myself staring at a wide, hard chest.
Panic filled me and I quickly looked up as my heart continued to hammer. Then I let out a tiny gasp.
Alessio.
He looked so calm in his sleep, the total opposite of what he represented when he was awake. His face was soft and his lips were slightly open. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight in front of me.
I tried to move but I felt something tighten around my hips. My eyes traveled down to see his arm wrapped around me. I also saw that I had a leg thrown over his, tangling us together.
Feeling completely mortified, I slowly moved my leg away and tried to scoot out of his embrace, but his hold was relentless. So, I gave up with a sigh and looked up at his sleeping face again.
I brought my hand up to his face, letting it hover there, right over his cheek.
The thought of my hand making contact with his skin, touching him freely without fear, was tempting. It was an alluring image floating in my mind, and as I continued to stare at Alessio’s face, I found that I couldn’t stop myself any longer.
I gently placed my hand on his cheek, watching for any indication that he might be waking up. When he didn’t move, I rubbed my thumb over his cheek, feeling the slight rough stubble under my fingertips.
I traced his forehead, down his nose, and then over his full lips. I felt my cheeks heat as I thumbed his lower lip and then I traced the curve of his jaw and over his cheeks.
A smile tugged on my lips as I continued to run my fingers up until they met the few strands of hair that laid limply over his forehead.
My touch was light and soft, while my heart was wild in my chest. What I was doing felt forbidden. But at the same time, it excited me. To have this small power over Alessio. To be able to touch him so freely.
But most of all, I was happy that I was able to touch a man without feeling disgusted and my body vibrating with fear.
I laid my hand over his cheek with a sigh of contentment and my eyes closed, letting myself feel his warmth as it surrounded me.
But the next time I opened my eyes, his eyes were open and he was looking at me.
“Good morning,” he whispered gruffly, his voice laced with sleep.
I opened my mouth to say something but quickly snapped it shut. Glancing at my palm that was still resting on his cheek, my teeth grazed my lips nervously.
Oh no, I got caught.
My fingers flexed on his cheek and I was about to move my hand away when suddenly his hand was over mine, trapping my palm against his cheek. I gasped and stared into his mesmerizing eyes.
When Alessio’s lips tilted up in a small smirk, I ducked my head shyly as my cheeks heated in embarrassment. As I hid my face in his chest, I felt it rumble with a small chuckle.
