Chapter 195: Break of Dawn

~ ZARA ~

I wasn't aware of falling asleep, only of waking up in the early, cool light of dawn rising outside the windows while the shadows inside were still dark and dim.

I was immediately angry about the time missed with David. I hadn't intended to sleep at all. But here we were.

I was facing away from him, but David had fallen asleep spooning me, his arm around my waist, holding me to him. The weight of it a simple comfort. I'd slept in the curve of his chest, his arm under my neck and now it felt wonderful to realize this was my future. Soon… soon waking like this would be normal. Instead of a shivering surge of delight because I could feel him behind me, his skin against my skin, I'd wake with a mind turned to other things because this would be normal.

Though I hoped—I prayed—I'd never lose the joy of being close to him.

David's chest rose and fell slowly against my back in the deep breathing of sleep.