Chapter 42

~Dylan

I stirred, stretching out my limbs as the sunlight filtered through the cracks in the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. I glanced over to see Ashleigh still sound asleep beside me, her face serene in slumber. Five days ago, she'd been a stranger in need of shelter, a woman with a past that threatened to consume her. Now, she was a presence in my life, a puzzle I wasn't sure how to solve.

I watched her sleep for a moment longer, my mind racing with questions. Why had she refused to go home? What was she so afraid of?

Just then, Ashleigh stirred, a soft moan escaping her lips as her eyes fluttered open. She blinked a few times, her gaze finding mine.

"Good morning," she said softly, her voice still husky with sleep.

I smiled, my heart warming at the sight of her. "Good morning," I replied, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair away from her face. "How did you sleep?"

Ashleigh stretched languidly, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "Better than I have