Kathrine had no idea how long she had been asleep when she slowly became aware of warmth—of being caged within a strong, protective pair of arms. The steady rise and fall of a chest against her back, the solid presence behind her, made her stir.
Her lashes fluttered open.
For a moment, she was disoriented. Then she turned slightly, and her gaze landed on the face beside her.
Ethan.
The sight of him instantly pulled the memories of last night back into her mind—every whispered word, every unguarded touch, every fragile truth she had allowed herself to reveal. Yet unlike the storm of emotions she had felt then, there was a strange calm settling over her now.
She felt… safe.
Too safe.
Her eyes softened as she studied him. Even in sleep, Ethan looked composed—his brows relaxed, lips slightly parted, one arm instinctively tightened around her waist as if he sensed her stirring. It made her chest ache.
