Darien's pov

We lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. I breathed heavily like I had just run a marathon race. It was as if everything else had melted away, leaving only the two of us, lost in our little world.

Claire's eyes were closed, a soft smile playing on her lips. I watched her, mesmerized by the gentle rise and fall of her chest. She was so beautiful, so full of life and energy.

I leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her ...