I open my eyes to the soft glow of the morning light filtering through the curtains. Xavier lies next to me, his chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. I turn my head to look at him, his dark hair slightly tousled from the night.

His face is calm, free from worry, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside me. I trace his features with my gaze, taking in the way his lips curl slightly upward even in sleep. I blush as I recall the moments from last night—the way our bodies fit together so naturally, as though we were meant to be in each other's arms.