Chapter Thirteen

~Samantha~

I woke up the next morning, my head feeling heavy from the remnants of the previous night's indulgence. I blinked, trying to make sense of my surroundings, and then it hit me. I was in my own bed, and there was someone lying next to me.

My eyes widened in shock, and I sat up abruptly my heart racing. "Adrian?" I whispered, disbelief and surprise coloring my voice.

Adrian stirred awake, his eyes fluttering open as he met my gaze. A warm, tender smile graced his lips. "Good morning, Samantha," he said softly, his voice a soothing melody.

My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and astonishment. "What... What are you doing here?" I stammered, my eyes searching his face for answers.

Adrian reached out, his hand gently cupping my cheek. "I stayed here to make sure you were safe," he explained, his lips curling to smile. "After what happened last night, I couldn't just leave you alone.”

My heart swelled with a mixture of emotions – gratitude, surprise, and a budding sense of affecti