Zahra's POV:My mouth feels like it’s full of cotton wool. Everything aches. I feel as stiff as a plank of wood, like even my bones are protesting being awake.I shift, trying to move my leg and get more comfortable, but I can’t. I try to pry open my eyes, but they feel weighted shut, and I let out a huff of irritation. I can hear two steady heartbeats from beside me, and scent the harsh bite of chemicals and antiseptic it burns my nose slightly.Hands, warm, calloused, and massive, stroke up my arm and my opposite leg. Sandalwood and cinnamon, with cedarwood and bergamot. Max and Xander. “Zahra, baby... are you awake? How are you feeling?” Max. His warm, deep voice settles over me, calming something inside me. I try to crack open my eyes again. Fuck, it’s hard. I manage to get the corner of one open, then close it quickly, the bright light searing through the gap.I try again, squinting against the harsh light, but I find the room is dimmer this time.Max’s green eyes are there, righ
Read more