Aria's POV

I didn't wake up in a panic.

I didn't wake up confused.

And I didn't wake up regretting a single thing.

The first thing I felt was warmth-a gentle, steady kind, the kind that made my heart melt before my eyes even opened. Carl's arm was wrapped securely around my waist, his chest pressed against my back, his breath brushing the crook of my neck like a soft whisper.

For a few seconds, I just lay there, soaking it in, feeling wanted, cherished, safe.

His hand splayed protectively ...