I woke slowly, awareness returning in pieces.
Soreness first, deep muscle ache in places I didn't want to think about too hard, reminding me exactly what had happened and how many times.
Then warmth, Azryth's body against mine, his arm around my waist holding me close, his breath steady and even against my neck.
I opened my eyes and found him already awake, watching me with an expression that was softer than usual, almost tender.
We didn't speak, we just looked at each other for a long moment while the morning light filtered through the curtains, and then his hand moved to cup my face, thumb brushing my cheekbone with gentleness that contrasted sharply with last night's desperate intensity.
I leaned into the touch, and he pulled me closer, holding me against his chest like I was something precious instead of someone he'd fucked senseless against multiple surfaces.
