..Out of the Blue ..💙

34. Third Time is a charm.

Monica's POV

I was a morning bird—always have been. I usually get up early, complete my routine exercises, shower, and head to the office. I had a system. But today, for the first time in seven years, I’m late. Very late. I used to wake up at 5 AM and start my sessions. But today? Today, everything is a mess.

Because a fucking menace is sleeping against me.

Her entire weight is on me, her arms wrapped around my abdomen, her head nestled in the crook of my neck. She’s completely leaning into me. I’ve never been a fan of cuddles or hugs—but here I am, enveloped. And somehow, I don’t find it annoying. I find it… intriguing.

I’ve also never enjoyed watching people sleep, yet this morning, I did. Even though I was running late, I couldn’t bring myself to move or interrupt her. Not when I had the urge to run my hand down her back—slightly exposed, covered in the marks I made. She’s still naked under the blanket, and I’m shamelessly staring at her skin, at the way it glows in the morning sun.

I even had to suppress the urge to kiss her shoulder.

Last night’s memories returned like heat burning on my skin. She clearly understood my hesitation and didn’t make a fuss about it. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t turned on—but I’m not ready. I can’t let her in. My vulnerabilities are mine and mine alone. I won't let anyone hold the key to my happiness, sadness, weaknesses, or pleasures. Not without controlled precision—the kind I had with Rishi.

Unless I allow it, no one touches me.

But her moans… for the first time, I couldn’t blame Rishi for choosing her. She’s amazing. In bed and out. Not that I’ll admit it openly, but I see it. She’s… understanding too.

It’s already 8. I have to be at the office by 9. And yet—she’s still asleep. I hate to disturb her. I hate the idea of removing her from my body. And I hate that I love the warmth radiating from her.

The bed smells like her—like sex, sweat, and something I’d usually find disgusting. But not now. Now, I find it… alluring.

Earlier That Morning

“Mom, you’re late,” Athena said,

a hint of blush blooming on her cheeks. Of course I noticed.
“I overslept, darling,” Zoya replied with a side-eye.

“You both overslept and you're late,” Athena said, glancing at me with a smile.

“That’s because we slept late, dear.”

“Why? What were you doing?”

“Well, I was trying to sleep, but your mom’s snoring kept me awake. You know your mom snores like a hippo.”

Zoya’s face twisted into a scowl. I felt a kick under the table.

“No, that’s a lie!” she whined. “Baby, you know mom doesn’t snore.”

My daughter shrugged. Of course she’s mine—she took my side.

I grinned. “See?”

Zoya rolled her eyes. “Fine. I’m not sleeping with either of you again.”

This time, I kicked her foot a little harder. She yelped, “Ouch!”

She turned to me with a mock-arrogant expression, trying to look serious but failing miserably. I smirked. I knew the truth. She would sleep with me again. I was sure of it.

Athena finished her breakfast and left, leaving the two of us alone.

“You know that’s a lie. And lying is a bad habit,” I teased.