_Leah's POV_

I woke up the next morning feeling unusually warm and safe. As my mind slowly cleared from the remnants of sleep, I realized why. Tariq's arms were wrapped protectively around me. He was holding me close. My heart skipped a beat. How had we ended up like this? I barely remembered falling asleep, but somehow, during the night, we had shifted closer.

I turned my head slightly, careful not to wake him, and looked up at his face. He was still asleep. His breathing was soft and even. ...