Alexander's POV:

I woke slowly, the first pale light of dawn slipping through the curtains of Namara's bedroom. The room was quiet except for the even rhythm of her breathing beside me so I turned my head on the pillow and looked at her.

She lay on her side facing me, one arm tucked under her cheek, dark hair fanned across the white sheet and her lashes cast faint shadows on her cheeks, her lips were slightly parted. In sleep she looked almost fragile in a way she never allowed herself to be ...