[Ovelia's POV]
My consciousness surfaced slowly, wrapped in a comforting warmth. I could feel strong arms encircling me, a solid chest against my cheek. Still half-asleep, I hugged the warmth back, nuzzling closer. When I finally pried my eyes open, my vision was a blur of muted color and shadow. It cleared after a few slow blinks, focusing on a wooden wall panel.
A faint sense of dislocation tickled my mind. I wasn't seated on a chair. My legs were draped over something. And I was hugging… a person's back. I straightened up abruptly, my arms loosening as my gaze traveled up to find Ace's face. It was very close.
"Ace?!" I blurted out, my voice still thick with sleep. A wave of heat flooded my cheeks. Without thinking, I brought my hand up and pushed against his face, as if I could create more distance by sheer force.
