Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

FOURTY (M)

The next morning, sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Lada stirred, her eyes fluttering open as the remnants of sleep clung to her. Confusion washed over her as she felt something—or rather, someone—warm and soft nestled against her.

Her heart raced as she glanced down. It wasn't Narin curled up in her arms, but Earn, fitting perfectly against her. Lada's breath caught in her throat. This was unexpected. How had they ended up so close? Her arm wrapped protectively around Earn's waist, as if it belonged there.

Lada's heart thudded, panic rising. But another feeling surged—one that felt surprisingly right. She blinked, trying to steady her breath. She hadn't realized how much she missed this closeness. How could something that felt so natural also feel so terrifying?

She watched Earn's dark hair spill across the pillow, the scent of jasmine filling her senses. Lada inhaled deeply, memories and emotions tugging at her heart. Her grip tightened around Earn's waist, wanting to hold on to this moment just a little longer.

"What are you doing?" she thought. But her body didn't care. The warmth of Earn's presence felt like coming home.

Just then, Earn stirred slightly, a soft murmur escaping her lips as she nestled deeper into Lada's embrace. Lada's heart skipped again, her breath hitching as warmth spread through her. How could she have forgotten how nice it felt to hold someone so dear?

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Narin bounded in, her energy infectious. "Wake up, wake up! Mommy! Aunty Earn!" she giggled, jumping onto the bed and shaking the mattress.

"Good morning, princess!" Earn mumbled, smiling as she felt Narin bouncing beside her.

Narin beamed at both of them. "Breakfast is ready, sleepyheads!" And just like that, she raced out of the room.

Lada, shaken from the moment, instinctively tried to pull her arm away from Earn's waist. But before she could move, Earn tightened her grip, pulling her back.

"Where are you going, hmm?" Earn's voice was soft, teasing, as she held Lada's arm in place.

"Earn," Lada sighed, her tone exasperated yet gentle, "we need to get ready for breakfast."

Earn let out a playful huff, turning around in Lada's embrace so that they were now face-to-face, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ohhh, now you want to talk. Last night you were so quiet... and a few days ago too... barely a word from this beautiful lip of yours," Earn teased, her tone dripping with playful seduction.

Lada's expression hardened slightly, but Earn, unfazed, inched closer, their faces so close Lada could feel the warmth of her breath. "You know what I want," Earn said, her voice dropping into a low, sensual whisper, her lips barely brushing against Lada's as she spoke. "Where's my morning kiss, huh?"

Lada's heart raced as Earn pouted her lips, leaning even closer. "Earn, stop it," she whispered, trying to keep control of the situation, but her voice was weak, lacking conviction.

"Mmm," Earn hummed, her cheeky smile widening as she brushed her lips lightly against Lada's ear. "Your morning voice is so sexy, baby."

Lada tried to pull away, but Earn was having none of it. "Urmmm, not so fast," she purred, tightening Lada's grip around her waist, pulling her flush against her. "I don't get this often... so stay here a little longer."

Lada hesitated, her resolve weakening as she met Earn's intense gaze. "Earn... we really should—"

"Shhushhh!" Earn cut her off with a soft, lingering kiss on the corner of Lada's mouth, her lips gentle yet insistent. "Mmm, not what I asked for," Earn teased, her voice barely above a whisper as she hovered close, her lips brushing lightly against Lada's again, this time not backing down until she got what she wanted.