CHAPTER FIFTY THREE

That steamy dream started fading away as a voice pulled me back to reality, shattering those vivid memories of me and Alex. My eyelids felt heavy as I gradually surfaced from that deep, peaceful sleep

“You hear me?” The voice prodded again more urgently this time

I blinked rapidly, trying to hold onto the mental images of Alex's chiseled features and solid chest under my hand. But those sensual visions dissipated like smoke as my actual surroundings slowly came into view. Instead of being wrapped in Alex's strong arms, I found myself nestled in this dingy little bed, the lingering smell of that potent home brew still hanging in the air.

As much as I didn't want to leave that intimate moment of us behind, I turned to see the elderly woman hunched over me. Sunlight peeked through the curtain - a new day dawning in this village.

"The storm has cleared up. Your...employer is waiting for you outside," She said

I managed to sit up, shielding my eyes from the bright light and feeling abso