Morning light filtered through the worn motel curtains, casting a soft glow across Ronan's sleeping face. I propped myself on one elbow, taking the rare opportunity to study him without his knowing—the strong line of his jaw relaxed in sleep, dark lashes resting against his cheeks, his normally vigilant expression peaceful. Outside, the storm still raged, rain drumming steadily against the windows, but in here, everything was perfect stillness.
I traced a finger lightly along his shoulder, marveling at how much had changed in a single night. Yesterday, we were dancing around each other, trapped in a cycle of longing and denial. Now, my body still tingled from his touch, marked by his passion in the most delicious ways.
Ronan's eyes fluttered open, immediately finding mine. A slow smile spread across his face—not the guarded smirk he typically wore around others, but something genuine and warm that made my heart skip.
