Always you

Chapter 32

The house was still. The faintest light of dawn seeped through the blinds of Sasha's room, casting soft shadows on the walls. She lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling as the world outside slowly came to life. The events of the past few days had been emotionally draining, but she felt restless. No one else in the house was awake yet, and the silence pressed down on her like a weight.

Her thoughts drifted to Rafe. She missed him, missed the way his presence brought a sense of calm even in the midst of chaos. Without a second thought, Sasha threw on a light cardigan over her pajamas, slipped on her sneakers, and quietly made her way downstairs, careful not to wake anyone.

The cool morning air greeted her as she stepped outside. The streets of the Outer Banks were quiet, the soft hum of nature filling the silence. As she walked to her car, the first rays of the sun began to peek over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold.

The drive to Tannyhill was peaceful, the world still waking up around her. By the time she pulled into the gravel driveway, the sun had fully risen, bathing the estate in warm light. The sprawling property looked serene, almost untouched by the drama that had unfolded within its walls the night before.

Sasha parked her car and stepped out, her shoes crunching softly against the gravel. She spotted the gardener tending to the flowerbeds near the front porch and waved a polite hello.

"Good morning, Miss Sasha," the gardener said with a smile, tipping his hat.

"Good morning," she replied, her voice soft to match the quiet of the morning.

As Sasha approached the house, she noticed Rose sitting at the breakfast table through the large bay window, a cup of coffee in hand. When Sasha stepped inside, Rose looked up, her expression momentarily surprised before softening into a warm smile.

"Morning, Sasha," Rose greeted. "You're up early."

"I couldn't sleep," Sasha admitted. "Is Rafe awake?"

Rose chuckled softly, taking a sip of her coffee. "Not a chance. He's probably still dead to the world. You know how he is after... everything."

Sasha nodded, offering Rose a small smile. "I'll go up and see him."

Rose didn't protest, simply waving Sasha off with a knowing look. Sasha made her way up the grand staircase, her heart fluttering slightly as she neared Rafe's room. She gently pushed open the door, the faint scent of him instantly wrapping around her like a comforting embrace.

The room was dim, the blinds drawn shut. Rafe lay sprawled on his bed, one arm thrown over his head and the other resting on the blanket that had slipped halfway off the bed. His hair was tousled, his face soft and peaceful in sleep, a stark contrast to the tension that had etched itself into his features the day before.

Sasha moved quietly, not wanting to wake him just yet. She perched on the edge of the bed, her movements careful and deliberate. The mattress dipped slightly under her weight, and Rafe stirred, his brow furrowing briefly before his body instinctively shifted toward her.

Even in sleep, he seemed to know she was there. He moved closer, draping an arm over her lap and burying his face against her side with a contented sigh. Sasha's heart ached at the sight, a mixture of love and concern swelling in her chest.

"Rafe," she whispered softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.

He mumbled something incoherent, his arm tightening slightly around her.

Sasha smiled, leaning down to press a light kiss to his temple. "I'm here."

His breathing evened out again, the tension in his body melting away as he relaxed into her touch. Sasha stayed there, gently stroking his hair, content to simply be close to him.