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Chapter 18: "The Morning After (Almost)"
The sun dared to sneak through the velvet curtains—rude.
But not as rude as the feeling of Aria's hand brushing over bare skin.
Kazriel blinked awake, his instincts alert like a battle mage. But all he saw… was her.
Hair messy. Cheeks flushed. Lips slightly parted from sleep.
And sitting on his lap.
Sitting. On. His. Lap.
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Kazriel's Internal Monologue:
"Don't move. Don't breathe. If she shifts even an inch, I will sin."
"This is fine. Perfectly fine. We are adults. Mature. Dignified. Engaged and restrained."
"...Gods she's soft."
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Aria stirred. Opened one eye. Then blinked again.
"…Kaz?" she whispered groggily.
He nodded, trying not to look like he was on the edge of self-combustion.
"You're… uh… you're sitting on me."
She looked down. Froze.
Then—blushed so hard she could've melted glaciers.
But instead of leaping away, she smirked. Dangerously.
"Oops," she whispered, not moving. "Should I… get up?"
Kazriel's brain: Blue screen of death.
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"You can stay," he said hoarsely. "For a while."
They just stared at each other.
Breathing heavy.
Skin too close.
Clothes somewhere between decency and temptation.
She leaned in.
Their lips brushed again. Softer this time. Slower. But filled with heat.
"I want you," she murmured into the kiss, "but I want our wedding more."
Kazriel pulled her into a tight hug.
"I swear, the second we're married, I'm never letting you sleep clothed again."
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Aria's Monologue:
"He smells like danger and safety. His arms are a cage I never want to escape."
"Soon. Soon I'll be his—completely."
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She finally rolled off his lap and laid beside him, her back against his chest, his arms instinctively pulling her in again like she belonged there.
"Do we have to get up?" she mumbled.
"I'm already up," he grunted, then cleared his throat. "I meant—I'm awake."
"Sure," she teased. "Your 'magic staff' looks fully charged."
Kazriel groaned.
"Aria… mercy."
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Author's Corner:
Yes hi again.
I'm trying to write a heartfelt morning scene and these two are flirting like they're trying to get me banned. Again.
Kazriel: "Don't act like you wouldn't do the same if someone this beautiful sat on you."
Aria: "Speak for yourself. I am this beautiful."
Me: "Go get married already before I combust."
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They rose. Slowly. Reluctantly.
Their bodies may have paused, but their hearts were already racing toward the altar.
They were ready.
For war.
For marriage.
For each other.
And until then…
They'd keep each other warm ..