The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, painting soft golden hues across the bedroom where Emma and Alex lay beside each other.
Emma stirred, her head tucked under Alex's chin, her fingers lazily tracing circles on his chest. Alex, already awake, watched her with a contented smile, his hand gently brushing through her hair.
Though this was what he had been doing all week since the kidnap, having her head on his chest and feeling her warmth all through the night felt different and it was a feeling he wasn't going to trade for anything. He thought as he smiled wider, looking at her sleepy face.
"Good morning, Mrs. Sterling," he whispered, his voice low and warm.
Emma grinned without opening her eyes. "Good morning, Mr. Sterling. You're up early," she said, knowing he must have been watching her like he always did.
