In the early morning, Sal woke before Nina.
He gazed at her rosy cheeks, flushed from sleep, and couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her. One kiss quickly turned into another… and then another, until he found it hard to stop.
Nina was eventually stirred awake by his persistent kisses. Still half asleep, she pushed him lightly.
"Stop it… I'm so sleepy."
Her eyes slowly fluttered open. Realizing it was already morning and that she was still in the treehouse, she suddenly remembered the cubs and wanted to return quickly.
She stifled a yawn. "It's already daylight. Let's head back."
Sal leaned close, gently nibbling at her earlobe, a mischievous smile curling at the corner of his lips.
"So… were you satisfied with my performance last night?"
Nina rubbed her sore waist, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink.
"I want to go back now."
Satisfied was an understatement.
