52.

Aiden's POV

This morning was different. Much different from every other morning I've had in a long time.

I awoke with a start, but this time not from a nightmare, or the usual restless tossing in bed. Instead, I found myself calm, as if the storm inside me had quietened for a while.

I stirred groggily, as my eyes slowly became accustomed to the room. Lily was sleeping on the other side of the bed, dark brown hair tousled across her face, her breathing soft, yet deep, and her mouth slightly open.

I longed to take that mouth in mine and wake her up with a kiss.

Slowly, I realized that I had slept by her side, and we hadn't had sex the previous night. Every single strand of memory from the previous night came rushing back, and I marveled at the way this woman had changed me.

I hadn't slept beside another human in years and years.

Lily's presence had worked magic on me.

I glanced towards Lily again, where she lay peacefully asleep and smiled faintly. She looked serene, almost angelic in