Absolution | +18

Chapter 39

Val

I wake up slowly, my eyes fluttering open to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. The first thing I feel is the warmth of Silas's body pressed tightly against mine, his arm draped over me like a protective barrier. He's holding me so close, it's like he doesn't want to let me go. His chest is snug against my back, and I can feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, rising and falling with each breath. It's soothing, and for a moment, I just lie there, enjoying the feeling of being held like this.

There's a comfort in his embrace, something safe and familiar, and I find myself unwilling to move. But then I hear my phone ding from the living room—its high-pitched ping cutting through the quiet like an annoying alarm. I try to gently slip out of his arms to go grab it, but the second I shift, Silas tightens his grip around me. His hand rests heavy on my waist, pulling me back into his chest, and I feel him bury his face into my hair.

I can't help but smile. "May I be released?" I ask, my voice a little raspy with sleep.

All I get in response is a quick, muffled "No." His voice is low and stubborn, a mix of sleep and determination, as if the idea of letting me go is utterly ridiculous.

I chuckle softly, my body still pressed tight against his. "I have to get my phone," I protest, squirming a little in his grasp, but he doesn't budge. "And you also need to move yours because it's poking me in the back."

I feel Silas shift slightly, and it's only then I realize what's actually poking me. My cheeks flush immediately, heat rising to my face as the realization sinks in. That's definitely not his phone.

I freeze for a second, embarrassed, but then I feel him smile against the back of my head, a soft, amused rumble vibrating from his chest. Before I can stop myself, I reach behind me and lightly swat at him. "Really?" I mutter, laughing nervously, feeling my face burn even hotter.

He chuckles again, a low sound that rumbles deep in his chest. "Sorry, not much I can do about that," he mumbles, his voice still thick with sleep. He shifts slightly to adjust himself, his hand brushing my side as he moves.

Trying to play it off, I turn around to face him, my hands pressing against his chest as I try to push myself up. "Okay, now let me go. I've got to get up."

But Silas is having none of it. He simply rolls on top of me, pinning me down with his body weight. I let out a mock gasp, dramatically throwing my head back against the pillow. "Oh my God, you're so heavy," I whine, half-laughing. "I'm going to die of lack of air at this rate."

He just grumbles, burying his face into my neck. "Dramatic," he mumbles against my skin, the warmth of his breath tickling me.

I laugh, trying to squirm out from under him, but he's so much bigger, and it's like trying to move a mountain. "Silas, seriously, I can't breathe!" I protest again, more for fun than out of real concern. My heart is pounding, but it's not from the weight. There's something so intimate about this moment, so real and raw, and it's hard not to get caught up in it.

Finally, after a few more playful protests, Silas lets out a long, exaggerated sigh and rolls off of me. "Fine," he grumbles as he shifts his body off the bed, adjusting himself once again as he stands. He heads toward the bathroom, running a hand through his messy hair, his movements lazy and unhurried.

I lie there for a second, still feeling the warmth of his body lingering on my skin, my heart still beating a little too fast. As he disappears into the bathroom, I can't help but smile to myself.

I step into the living room, still feeling the warmth from Silas's touch lingering on my skin, but I quickly shake off the thought as I pick up my phone from the table. The screen lights up with a string of notifications from the group chat. Maddie and Lucas are in the middle of their usual playful banter, messages firing back and forth.