Ariana's POV
I woke to the soft sound of rain still tapping the windows. Fainter now. Like the sky had finally tired itself out. My cheek was pressed to warm skin, the slow, steady thump of Roman's heartbeat under my ear. His arms were still around me, his chest rising and falling against my body.
For a moment, I didn’t move. I just listened to him breathe. Tried to burn this into memory—his scent, his warmth, the way his hand was still tangled in my hair like he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go.
But morning meant consequences.
Eventually, I untangled myself and slipped out of bed. My legs were sore in that sweet, aching way. I found my nightshirt where it had fallen near the door and pulled it over my head. Roman stirred slightly but didn’t wake.
I crept back to my room, heart p
