Older || 18+

34. Emma

I can't help but stare at him, tracing the outline of his body. He's lying on his back, his chest rising and falling steadily. The sheets are pushed down around his waist, exposing his sculpted abs and muscular arms.

I bite my lower lip, resisting the urge to reach out and touch him. I want to trace the contours of his muscles with my fingertips. To feel his skin beneath my hands. But I don't dare disturb his sleep. Not yet.

The sunlight is filtering in through the windows, casting a soft glow across his body.

He looks like an angel. A dark, sexy angel.

I sigh softly, a smile playing on my lips. We've spent the entire night together.

It was perfect. Everything I could have asked for.

I let him rest a little longer. It's a long flight, after all. But I can't help but want to see him, even though I know he's probably exhausted.

I lean down, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.

He stirs slightly, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Morning, babygirl," he murmurs, his eyes slowly opening.

"Morning," I whisper, brushing a strand of hair from his face.

He's always so put together, his hair styled perfectly, always in a suit. But this version of him is my favorite. Tassled hair, sleepy eyes. Vulnerable. It's like a side of him that's for my eyes only.

"How long have you been awake?" he asks, his gaze locking with mine.

"Not long," I reply, my fingers tracing patterns on his chest.

"Mmm," he hums, his arm wrapping around me. "You should have woken me up sooner."

I chuckle. "You looked like you needed the sleep. Plus, I got to enjoy the view."

He laughs, the sound rumbling through his chest. "The view, huh?"

"Yeah," I say, leaning down and kissing him.

His hand cups the back of my neck, holding me close. Our lips move together, the kiss soft and sensual.

When we finally break apart, I'm breathless.

"God, you're perfect," he murmurs, his eyes filled with adoration.

I can't help but blush, my heart fluttering in my chest. But even in this perfect, blissful moment, sorrow that washes through me.

"I'm going to miss you, Ares," I whisper, a lump forming in my throat.

"Hey, come here," he says, his arms wrapping around me, pulling me close.

I rest my head on his chest, his heartbeat a steady rhythm.

"I'm going to miss you too, babygirl," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "So damn much. You have no idea."

I wrap my arms around him, holding him tight. I want to ask him not to leave, but I know it's no use. I cannot keep him here when his life is across the country. I'm just going to miss him so damn much.

"When do you have to leave?" I ask, not wanting to hear the answer.

He glances at his phone. "In about an hour," he replies, his arms tightening around me. "I need to shower and pack."

An hour. It's not enough. It'll never be enough. I cling to him, wishing I could freeze time and stay here forever. In this moment. With him.

But eventually, the moment has to end. He sighs, untangling himself from me.