Taking her out on a date

Hardin's POV

I slowly opened my eyes, greeted by the gentle rays of the morning sun streaming through the curtains. As my gaze shifted, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. There, nestled in my embrace, lay Freda, peacefully lost in the realm of dreams.

In the aftermath of the incident with Jim, I had insisted that Freda stay with me in my room. I wanted to shield her from the painful memories, to create a haven where she could find solace. And seeing her sleeping so peacefully, reassured me that I had made the right decision.

I took a moment to simply admire her, captivated by the delicate beauty that adorned her features. From the depths of her eyes to the curve of her lips, from the strands of her hair to the smoothness of her skin, she was a vision of perfection. It was as if she had been crafted with utmost care, a masterpiece of innocence and grace.

Emotion welled up within me as I gazed at her, a mixture of tenderness and adoration. In that quiet moment, I couldn't help b