JAYDEN

The morning air was still.

Dark grey light crept through the windows as I peeled my eyes open. Catriona was curled against me, one leg tangled over my waist, her hand resting over my heart like she was afraid to let go even in sleep.

I stayed there for a while, just watching her breathe. Peaceful. Soft. After last night, we both needed that.

Eventually, I slid out from under her slowly, carefully.

She stirred a little, but didn’t wake.

I grabbed a pair of sweatpants from the closest, pulled them on, followed by a vest, and padded barefoot toward the door. My usual early workout—nothing complicated, just enough...