The next morning, Anna woke slowly, warmth pooling in her chest before she even opened her eyes.
When she did, the first thing she saw was Daniel.
He was still asleep, one arm tucked under his pillow, the early sunlight tracing the sharp lines of his face. His features were relaxed in a way she rarely saw when he was awake. No guarded expression. No quiet calculation. Just peace.
Her heart swelled.
"How can someone be this handsome?" she whispered under her breath, propping herself up on one elbow.
Carefully, she let her fingers trace the contour of his jaw. Down the bridge of his nose. Along the faint shadow of stubble that had begun to grow overnight.
She had never said it aloud before, but the one thing that always caught her attention were his lips.
They were perfectly shaped. Thin, soft pink, deceptively gentle for a man who could be so commanding.
She bit back a smile.
"He won't notice," she murmured to herself.
Leaning in slowly, she brushed her lips against his.
