|| Lilac’s POV ||

Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, painting golden stripes across the tangled sheets. I woke slowly, cocooned in warmth, Alaric's arm a heavy weight around my waist, his breath warm against the back of my neck.

I shifted, and his grip tightened.

"Mm. No." His voice was rough with sleep, his lips brushing my shoulder. "Five more minutes."

Then his fingers trailed up my bare spine, calloused and teasing. Sparks ran through my skin, making ...