Rhea woke up first, the Haven's soft morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room.
She blinked, her amber eyes drifting lazily to the clock on the nightstand. Just past 8 a.m.
Any second now, Harris's car horn would blare outside—sharp, punctual, and unmistakable. Like clockwork. Like everything in that man's world.
But in here, time felt suspended.
Her gaze dipped, settling on the warm weight pressed against her chest. A lazy, secret smile curled at her lips.
Kael, still fast asleep, nuzzled against her breasts.
His dark hair was a tousled mess, the strands falling soft across his forehead, catching the morning light that filtered through the blinds.
His breath was slow, warm against her skin, each exhale a quiet rhythm that made her heart ache in the strangest way.
He looked… different like this.
Vulnerable. Gentle.
