Umeed

Chapter 60

The morning unfolded with a serene stillness, the kind that made the world feel as though it were holding its breath. Noor stirred awake, the faint light of early dawn casting a soft glow in the room, barely piercing through the heavy drapes. The air was cool but carried the lingering warmth of shared intimacy. Blinking the sleep from her eyes, Noor adjusted herself slightly, only to realize she wasn't alone in her cocoon of comfort.

Shahzain's strong arms encircled her, holding her securely against him. His face was buried in the curve of her neck, his soft, even breaths brushing against her skin. The sensation was both soothing and electrifying, sending a shiver through her as she became acutely aware of their closeness. His warmth enveloped her, and she couldn't help but notice how perfectly their bodies seemed to fit together, as if they had always been meant to.

Her gaze shifted downward, and a wave of heat rushed to her cheeks. The thin, white shirt she wore-his shirt-clung to her in delicate curves, brushing against her bare thighs. The memories of the night before flooded back with startling clarity. Every touch, every whisper, every lingering kiss replayed in her mind like a cherished melody.

Her heart quickened as she remembered how Shahzain had loved her with a tenderness she had never known. He had handled her as though she were something fragile yet precious, each moment filled with an unspoken reverence. Even afterward, when she had been overwhelmed and vulnerable, he had cared for her with a quiet devotion that left her breathless.

A slight movement brought her attention back to the present. Shahzain stirred, shifting against her as his face tilted upward. Noor froze, her breath caught in her throat. He was close-so close she could count the faint freckles on his nose. His messy hair tumbled over his forehead, giving him an endearing, boyish charm that contrasted sharply with the intensity he had shown the night before. His lips, parted slightly in sleep, were a natural shade of pink, soft and inviting.

Without realizing it, Noor's hand moved of its own accord, brushing gently against his forehead. She hesitated for a moment, marveling at the warmth of his skin, before sweeping the unruly strands of hair from his face. They fell back almost immediately, and she found herself smiling at the futility of her efforts. A soft giggle escaped her lips as she smoothed his hair again, the silky texture of it beneath her fingertips oddly satisfying.

Her gaze traveled to his nose, and before she could stop herself, she reached out to touch it. The act was innocent, her finger tracing its bridge lightly. It was perfect in its sharpness, a testament to his striking features. She felt an inexplicable urge to lean closer, and with a boldness she didn't recognize in herself, she pressed a soft kiss to his nose.

Her heart raced as she pulled back, her eyes drifting lower. His lips caught her attention, the memory of how they had claimed hers still fresh in her mind. Those lips had whispered promises and declarations against her skin, had kissed away her doubts and fears. She swallowed hard, her cheeks heating as she recalled the way they had explored every inch of her with reverence.

Unable to resist, Noor let her fingers trail over his lips. The texture was smooth and warm under her touch, their softness captivating. She lingered, her thumb brushing the edge of his lower lip, her heart pounding in her chest.

It wasn't until a soft noise escaped her that she snapped back to reality. Her eyes widened in horror as she realized what she had done. "What is wrong with me?" she thought, mortified. She yanked her hand back, her cheeks flaming with embarrassment.

Before she could retreat completely, Shahzain's hand shot up, catching hers with ease. Noor froze, her heart leaping into her throat as he brought her trembling hand to his lips. His eyes opened slowly, locking onto hers with an intensity that left her breathless. He kissed her knuckles, the soft press of his lips sending a jolt of electricity through her.