Page 118 of Red Zone
LYLA
The first thing I feel when I wake up is warmth.
Not just the kind from the heavy blanket tangled around me—but the steady, solid kind that comes from the weight of someone else’s arm draped over my waist.
For a second, I almost think I’m dreaming.
But then as the faint light of morning filters through my curtains, I shift just enough to feel the sheets slide against bare skin, and the memory of last night crashes back like a wave.
Carter.
His breath is warm against my neck, his chest pressed flush to my back, arm snug around me like he’s been holding on all night.
I let my eyes flutter shut again, just for another second, and focus on the slow rise and fall of his breathing.
It’s…unsettling, how much I like it.
Last night was the first time in years that my brain allowed me to go to sleep without moving through the entire routine that normally takes me at least an hour to complete before bed. I’ve never experienced the sense of calm that Carter brings me, ever.I have to admit, I might have to keep him around for that effect alone.
I shift slightly under the blankets, and he stirs behind me.
“Mmm…” he murmurs low in his throat, his arm tightening instinctively around my waist as his face nuzzles into my hair. “What time is it?”
“Too early,” I whisper back. My voice sounds soft even to my own ears.
He hums in agreement, his fingers absently tracing lazy circles on my hip like he has no plans of moving anytime soon.
And honestly? I don’t hate it.
I close my eyes again, thinking maybe—just maybe—I can have another five minutes like this.
Which is exactly when my bedroom door swings open.
“Lyla?” Madison’s voice calls, sounding way too happy for this hour. “Are you?—”
She freezes in the doorway.
I bolt upright in bed, clutching the blanket to my chest on instinct, my heart jumping into my throat.
Carter groans behind me, clearly less panicked than I am, and drapes an arm back over his eyes with a muttered, “Morning, Madison.”
I can practically feel the smirk in his voice.
Madison blinks at us, her eyebrows shooting straight to her hairline as she takes in the scene: me, still tangled in the sheets, my hair a mess, my cheeks burning—and Carter, clearly very naked, half-covered by my blanket, lounging like he owns the place.
“Oh,” she says finally, drawing out the word, her lips twitching. “Well. Don’t let me interrupt…”
“Madison!” I squeak, throwing a pillow at her.
She dodges it easily, already backing out of the doorway with her hands up in mock surrender.
“Hey, don’t mind me,” she teases, grinning now. “Just making sure you were alive. You’re usually up by now.”
I groan, flopping back against the pillows as she closes the door behind her, laughter trailing down the hall.
Carter chuckles low behind me, shifting onto his side to prop his head up on his hand.
“You’re kinda cute when you’re flustered,” he murmurs, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from my face.
