The first thing Amara felt was warmth—not just from the blanket wrapped loosely around her, but from Daniel's arm draped firmly across her waist. His steady breathing brushed against the back of her neck, a gentle rhythm that made her want to stay still forever. For a moment, she didn't move. She let herself simply exist in the quiet, in the safety of him.
Morning light streamed softly through the curtains, painting the room in gold. She turned slightly, watching his face in sleep—relaxed, unguarded, boyish almost. A smile tugged at her lips. Daniel looked nothing like the strong, protective man she'd grown used to seeing when he was awake. Right now, he looked like peace itself.
Her hand moved almost unconsciously, tracing the line of his jaw with the lightest touch. His eyes fluttered open, catching her mid-gesture.
"Admiring me while I sleep?" he murmured, his voice rough with sleep but laced with amusement.
She flushed, caught off guard, but managed a playful roll of her eyes. "Someone has to. You looked too peaceful not to."
Daniel chuckled and shifted closer, tightening his hold on her. "Well, you're a sight yourself. And unlike me, you don't need sleep to look perfect."
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Flattery this early in the morning? You really don't waste time."
He leaned in, brushing his lips lazily against hers. "Not when it comes to you."
The kiss deepened, slow and unhurried, a continuation of the night before. She melted into him, fingers tangling in his hair, savoring the intimacy of a morning untouched by fear or doubt.
When they finally pulled away, Amara rested her forehead against his, her smile faint but full of contentment. "I could get used to waking up like this."
"Good," Daniel replied, pressing another quick kiss to her nose. "Because I'm not letting you wake up any other way."
They stayed in bed longer than either admitted they should, wrapped in sheets and laughter. Daniel teased her about stealing the blanket during the night, while Amara teased him for talking in his sleep.
"You were muttering about pizza," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
He groaned, burying his face into her shoulder. "That's embarrassing."
She giggled, brushing her fingers through his hair. "Don't worry. I find it adorable."
The lighthearted banter gave way to quiet moments—her head resting on his chest, his hand idly tracing circles along her arm. The outside world felt far away, almost unreal, but a shadow still lingered at the back of her mind. Chike. The past. The threats that waited beyond these four walls.
She didn't say it aloud. Instead, she held Daniel tighter, clinging to the present.
Daniel seemed to sense it anyway. He kissed her hair, whispering, "We'll face whatever comes, Amara. Together."
Her chest tightened, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. She nodded, pressing herself closer. For now, for this morning, she chose to believe him.
Because in his arms, love didn't just feel possible—it felt unshakable.