It was still five in the morning, but Ruby already opened her eyes. She touched a big hand that wrapped her waist from behind as if it wanted to protect her stomach through the night.
Vaguely, Ruby could feel the subtle rush of breath on the back of her neck. The room was quiet, filled with a peacefulness that warmed Ruby.
She brushed against Matthew's hand, then strolled down to his palm. The contrast between their hands was striking—hers delicate and smooth, while he was rugged and weathered.
The skin was calloused, each ridge and scar caused by wielding a sword for too long and being in battle for over a thousand years.
"Are you awake, sweetheart?"
Ruby held her breath as she heard the gentle-low voice from behind. Matthew pulled Ruby's body closer, wrapping his wife's body as if he were a living blanket.
"Mhm," Ruby murmured.
