Then memory caught up with me.
The ol’ ladies.Hummingbird Cake.Burnt nuggets.Cole.
My eyes fluttered open.
He was still here.
Still asleep beside me, sprawled in a way that told me he hadn’t planned on staying but hadn’t fought it either.We were fully clothed, him in a T-shirt and jeans, me in an oversized sweatshirt and leggings, but tangled together like it was the most natural thing in the world.My head rested against his chest, his arm heavy around my waist, and his hand curled at my hip like it belonged there.
It felt… safe.
Too safe.
I inhaled slowly, careful not to wake him.His breathing was deep and even, with the rise and fall of his chest steady beneath my cheek.He smelled like soap and leather.Familiar now.
I shifted just enough to look up at his face.
Relaxed.Unguarded.The hard lines softened by sleep.
My heart did something stupid and skipped.I swallowed and glanced toward the doorway.
That’s when I saw her.
Mom stood there, leaning against the doorframe with a mug of coffee cradled in both hands.Steam curled up past her face as she took a slow sip, her eyes flicking between me and Cole with a look that was more curious than anything else.
Not angry.
Not shocked.
Just… observant.
“Hi,” I whispered.
She lifted her brows slightly as the corner of her mouth twitched.“Morning, Star.”
My pulse kicked up.“This is—”
“Cozy?”she offered.
I winced.“I was going to say… not what it looks like.”
She hummed thoughtfully as her eyes drifted back to Cole, who hadn’t stirred at all.
I held my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
It didn’t.
Instead, she took another sip of her coffee.“How is he still sleeping with us talking?”
I glanced back at Cole and smiled faintly.“He grew up in the chaos of the Fallen Lords.I think he can sleep through anything.”
Mom snorted softly.“That doesn’t seem ideal for someone whose job it is to protect you.”
Almost on cue, Cole shifted.His brow furrowed, and his arm tightened just slightly around me as he stirred.
Mom’s lips curved into a grin.“Ah.Prince Charming stirs.”
Cole groaned quietly and blinked awake.His eyes focused on the ceiling first, then drifted down to me, confusion flickering briefly before smoothing into awareness.
