I S H A

My eyes slowly fluttered open, and the first thing I felt was warmth—strong arms wrapped securely around me, holding me close. The embrace was soothing, a kind of comfort I had never known but instantly craved more of. Without thinking, I snuggled in deeper, letting the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lull me into a sense of peace I never wanted to leave.

As I shifted closer, a deep, sleep-laced voice rumbled against my ear, soft yet utterly captivating. "Good morning, sweetheart.”

His voice was so sexiest, rich and intoxicating, that it sent heat straight between my legs, making my breath hitch. My heart pounded as I slowly lifted my gaze, meeting his warm, sleepy eyes and the lazy smile tugging at his lips. In that moment, wrapped in his arms, I knew—I never wanted to wake up anywhere else but here, with him.

He drove with one hand, his other arm wrapped securely around my back, holding me close as I lay against him like a sleepy child. My arms draped around his neck, my head resting against his chest, listening to the steady, soothing rhythm of his heartbeat. A lazy smile tugged at my lips as I murmured, "Good morning," my voice still thick with sleep.

I felt the shift in the air before I even looked up. His grip tightened just slightly, his body going rigid. When I finally lifted my gaze, his eyes were locked on me—intense, dark, and brimming with something unmistakable. It took me a moment to register why, but then it hit me.