Chapter 271: In the Morning Light

After all the sadness and pain, Adrian thought that he somehow came across Cassidy who was kind enough to have mercy on his desperate, loveless heart.

Even though he knew he was not worthy and even though she could have done better - even though she could have had anyone else, she still chose him in the end. That's not because he did her any sort of favors. It's not because he has a high status, is famous, and owns more than billions in his bank account, but it's just simply because she respects who he is and accepts him in all his weak and powerless state. 

'That was all I ever dreamed of. It was all I could ever hope for,' Adrian thought with a contented smile on his face, holding Cassidy tighter in his arms.

She is still here. With him. He would not be able to bear it if she were to disappear out of nowhere.

He never ever wants to be away from her. She is everything he ever needs and everything he ever wants - conveniently wrapped in the most perfect little package of kind, compassionate, beautiful, loving, pure, caring, crazy, intelligent, thoughtful, amazing, pure and so many other things that he is too busy being in love with to recall the proper word for at the moment.

All Adrian wants to do is to make Cassidy happy and keep her safe all the time.

He would do anything to protect her smile. If anyone would dare harm her again, he would dirty his hands if he had to. Those who pursue after them may have another thing coming if they thought he would let his beloved get taken away that easily.

'I would rather die before I let any filth get their hands on her.'

---

It's been forever since Adrian last felt this relaxed - it's as if he slept for weeks even though it was less than six hours.

This season's mornings have never been this warm for him. When he looks down at the bundle molded perfectly on his side, he feels warmer.

'This is not a dream...' he mused, smiling. 

'This is reality.'

Still asleep, his wife is using his arm as a pillow - with her hands on his bare chest. Their legs are intertwined together in a flawless fit, covered by a blanket that reaches her bare shoulders. Her mouth is slightly opened, breathing evenly with the same rhythm as his. He parts some strands of loose hair from her face and tucks them gently behind her ear.

If only Adrian could freeze time just to watch this sleeping beauty beside him forever, he would do it. He wants to wake up next to Cassidy every morning and sleep together with her every night.

Her lashes slowly flutter, which is followed by the world's most adorable groan and a breathtaking pair of red eyes. As soon as she saw him staring back at her, she thought she was in heaven.

In front of her is a gorgeous angel with dark brown hair roused by sunlight. His blue eyes lit up charmingly against it, which matches his endearing dimpled smile.

"Good morning, beautiful," his deep, husky voice greeted.

The sound wakes Cassidy from her fantasy.

She then blinks slowly, wondering why he would say something so preposterous. He should look in the mirror to check himself. She won't even come close.

Cassidy stretches a little, unconsciously nuzzling in his neck. A bubbly laugh rumbles from Adrian who then nudges her closer so he can take in her scent.

"Gosh, you're so cute."

He kisses her temple right when she finds herself shutting her eyes and dozing off again. Moments later, something tickles her ankle. By reflex, her leg jerks to knock whatever it is away. Before it can do just that, though, a hand catches her foot, which causes her to open her eyes.

"Careful," Adrian said, rubbing her arch.

"Don't startle me. Why are you up already?" Cassidy asked, propping herself up on her elbows.

"I never sleep this late. It's almost noon by now."

His long, delicate fingertips brush over the top of her foot. It tickles her, and her leg jerks out again. He has a firm enough hold on it this time, so he managed not to get kicked in the jaw.

"Well, I'm going back to sleep. Give me a few more minutes," she told him, lying back down.

She closes her eyes, and he hums, his other hand warm on her calf.

Of course, it's impossible to sleep with his hands all over her, but she does her best to ignore him. He keeps tracing his fingers across her naked body - almost as if he is worshipping it. She feels his hair first, then his breath, and then his lips.

Now, Cassidy knows.

That must have been what woke her up. She is aware but drifting again, her half-awake mind noting the kiss to her knee and the tickle of his hair over her other calf. When his hand lands on her thigh, she becomes more aware but doesn't show it.

Adrian smirks. 

He is inching up to her intimate part, his lips moving up with it. She can feel him watching her, so she keeps her eyes closed. Then, he gracefully wraps his fingers around her thigh and kisses her on one of the sensitive lines. She shivers when his fingertips dig in and his teeth nip her skin.

"So..." he drawled, his lips moving against her skin.

"You are awake."

Huffing, Cassidy opens her eyes and glares at Adrian. She is met with heat - a predatory glint. The corner of his mouth tilts up, then. She continues to regard him with a blank expression, getting the feeling that she is forgetting something important.

Her husband doesn't usually wake up with that kind of expression on, after all - an expression that seems to dearly lust for her. 

"Oh! Oh, gosh!" she then suddenly squeaked as she eventually recalled, almost hitting his chin when she jolted and ended up falling on the floor at the side of the bed.

"Cassidy...?!" he exclaimed in surprise and panic, sitting up immediately.

"Cassidy, are you alright?!"

Her mouth is gaping, her eyes bulging wide open.

She is starting to remember everything that has happened last night. With a flustered face, she then lets out a whimper and hides her blush behind her hands out of embarrassment.

Cassidy could not believe that she had finally done it with Adrian.