I’m tucked against him on the couch, my head on his chest, his arm still wrapped around me like he never let go.
Like hewouldn’tlet go.
My fingers are still curled in his shirt.
I didn’t even realize I fell asleep like that.
I stay still for a moment, just… taking it in.
The steady rise and fall of his breathing.
The warmth of his body.
The way his hand rests heavy and protective against my back.
No tension.
No fear.
Just—
Peace.
It’s unfamiliar.
And somehow… perfect.
I shift slightly, careful not to wake him—
But his arm tightens instantly.
“You always try to sneak away?” his voice rumbles, rough with sleep.
I smile before I can stop myself.
“I wasn’t sneaking.”
“Mm-hmm.”
His chin brushes the top of my head as he exhales slowly.
“You were thinking about it.”
“Maybe.”
His hand slides slightly against my back, like he’s making sure I’m still there.
“Don’t,” he murmurs.
Something soft pulls in my chest.
“I wasn’t going far.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
I tilt my head just enough to look up at him.
His eyes are still half closed, but he’s awake now.
