The next morning arrived quietly, wrapped in soft golden sunlight and the distant sound of waves touching the shore below the villa.
For a long moment, everything felt still and peaceful.
Aria stirred slowly beneath the white sheets, the warmth surrounding her making it difficult to open her eyes completely. The cool ocean breeze drifted softly through the slightly open balcony doors while sunlight spilled gently across the room.
Then she felt a pair of arms wrapped securely around her waist.
A faint smile immediately touched her lips.
She turned slightly only to find him already awake, resting against the pillows while watching her with that quiet look he always had whenever he thought she wasn't paying attention.
"Good morning," he murmured softly.
His voice still sounded rough from sleep, warm enough to make her heart flutter instantly.
Aria smiled sleepily.
"How long have you been awake?"
"Long enough to realize I don't want to leave this bed."
