The night passed peacefully, the weight of the day slowly fading as Lena drifted in and out of sleep. The steady rise and fall of Grayson’s chest beneath her cheek grounded her, a silent reminder that she wasn’t alone in all of this.
By the time morning light filtered through the curtains, painting soft streaks of gold across the room, Lena felt like she could breathe again.
She stirred first, blinking against the sunlight. Grayson’s arm was still draped over her, his face relaxed, peaceful in sleep. She smiled to herself, brushing her fingers gently along his jaw.
“Are you watching me sleep?” he mumbled without opening his eyes.
Lena laughed softly. “Maybe.”
Grayson cracked one eye open, a lazy grin spreading across his face. “That’s a little creepy, Lena.”
She rolled her eyes, sitt
