The shrill beeping of the alarm tore Christian from a restless sleep. His eyes fluttered open, dry and heavy, the ceiling blurring into shapes he didn’t care to recognize. The sound drilled into his ears, but he didn’t move, his body stiff, limbs sore from staying in the same position all night.Still on his back, arms folded over his chest like a haunted man, he turned his head toward the noise. The alarm clock blinked red across the room, far from reach. Of course it was.A low groan crawled out of his throat as he finally sat up, bones aching like sleep had never truly touched him. His thoughts felt heavy, like mud settling in his chest. He dragged himself toward the clock, shut it off with a thud, and stared at the numbers.6:10 a.m.He stood still, silent, then ran a rough hand down his face like he was trying to scrub away a memory. His shirt clung to him like regret. He peeled it off slowly, followed by his pants, the fabric cold from the air conditioning. Naked, exhausted—phys
Last Updated : 2025-07-04 Read more