The morning sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Ethan's luxurious penthouse.
Charlotte lay deep in sleep, her breathing soft and steady, completely unaware of Ethan slipping back into bed.
He watched her for a moment, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Slowly, he leaned closer and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her gently against his chest.
"Wake up, sleepyhead," he murmured, his voice low and affectionate.
Charlotte stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. Her hazel eyes met his piercing gaze, and she blinked a few times to focus.
"Ethan," she whispered groggily, a smile spreading across her face. Without thinking, she leaned in and pecked him on the cheek.
Ethan grinned, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
"Good morning, my queen," he said softly before leaning down to kiss her. "How are you feeling? Does the wound still hurt?"
