The first rays of dawn filtered through the gauzy curtains, painting the room in pale gold. Wan Ruyi stirred softly, her lashes fluttering as she awoke to the steady warmth beneath her cheek, and the rhythmic thrum of Lu Zhi Hao's heartbeat.
For a long moment, she simply breathed him in, the faint scent of sandalwood and soap still clinging to his skin. His arm was heavy and protective around her waist, his hand splayed across her stomach as though even in sleep he refused to let her go.
She shifted slightly, and the movement made him stir a little. His breath deepened, his chin dipping to nestle against her hair. Then his husky morning voice rumbled low against her ear.
"You're awake… my princess..."
Her cheeks warmed blushing intimately. "Mm. Just now."
He pressed a slow kiss to the crown of her head, then trailed lower, to her temple, and then to the corner of her eye still damp from dreams, to the soft curve of her cheek.
