9: No Need To Continue

The soft glow of the dawn filtered through the curtain, casting a gentle light in the room. Noah woke up and slowly, his senses came alive, and he became aware of the warmth and softness pressed against his chest. Vivienne was nestled in his arms, her head resting on his chest, her silky chestnut hair cascading over them both. He could feel her steady breath against his skin, each exhale, a whisper of comfort and intimacy.

Noah wondered if he had been celibate for too long for him to yearn for this serene comfort and intimacy. His heart beat erratically as he gazed down at her peaceful sleeping face. Her elegantly arched eyebrows relaxed, and her long, curly eyelashes cast shadows beneath her eyes, accentuating her pert nose and full lips. He almost etched every single detail of her facial features into his mind with his intense gaze as if he were looking at her for the first time.

As memories of last night flooded his mind, he felt like this might not be their first meeting but it h