Sophia's eyes fluttered open, the soft light from the morning sun filtering in through the blinds on her small metal window. Instantly she remembered the events of last night; her fear and the embarrassment Alex had provoked. These thoughts were soon disregarded, though, when Sophia realized whom she was sleeping with. Alex was leaned back against the headboard of her small wooden bed, a most uncharacteristic expression traversing the features of his face. He looked almost peaceful, a look most foreign to him; his dark hair covered his eyes and streaked across his cheek. Sophia was overwhelmed with their proximity, his arms still pressing her close to his chest. Hoping not to wake him, she gently laid her head back against his shoulder, understanding that he had sacrificed his own obsessive research and study on Delphine and the Guild solely for her comfort; the thought alone causing her heart to swell with affection for him. The balanced beat of Alex's heart, accompanied by the steady rise and fall of his chest was enough to lull Sophia into a euphoric state, where she could imagine that she woke up like this every morning, his breath tickling her ear, their bodies entwined. Alex grunted softly, shifting slightly back, his grasp tightening just enough to induce the same elevated state of embarrassment she had achieved last night. His scent was intoxicating, the rich masculine fragrance his skin emanated the most enthralling aroma she had ever encountered. The heat from the sun's vibrant rays streaming through the window warmed Sophia's skin, and she was sure Alex was beginning to become uncomfortable in his captain's garb. The crew, too, was beginning to rise from their slumber, the soft patter of footsteps and low murmur of voices echoing in from the hallway. Sophia was now certain that he would never wake, that they would end up spending the entire day in each other's arms, the hours fading away into oblivion as she was coaxed into ecstasy. Unfortunately, it had to come to an end eventually, and after a few more rapturous moments, Alex awoke, noticeable to Sophia only through the change of pace in his heartbeat.
Alex looked down at the small figure nestled into his chest, wondering how he had spent the entire night, and most of the morning, tangled together with both the blankets and his subordinate. Never in the ten years had he been alone had he slept so soundly, and so comfortably. Removing one of his arms from the tight embrace to swipe away a few locks of hair, Sophia looked up at him, her green eyes glimmering with an emotion he had long seen vacant from her visage. All reasoning and doubt that had clouded his mind on why he had stayed the night now cleared, her gaze effectively wiping his mind of the troubles that had so recently been the top priority. His head dipped slightly, closer to her ear, and Sophia could feel her face heat again. "Sophia," he whispered gently, her eyes widening in acknowledgement of his utterance, her chin still resting on his torso. He inched his face even closer, to where his lips were almost touching her earlobe, the light jasmine scent of her hair wafting through his senses. She waited for his next remark, her breaths coming only in shallow wisps, anxious to hear what he would say. "Get dressed," He breathed gently, a slight grin encasing his face, hoping she wouldn't take offense to his demanding request. She smiled, though, understanding from his embrace and tone of voice that he meant no disrespect. He released his deathly grip from around her form, letting her maneuver deftly out of the tangle of sheets and limbs, his eyes following her movements as she tread lightly across the room to her wardrobe. She turned to look at him over her shoulder, aware that his gaze was still on her, and her body flushed along with her face, prompting him to leave his comfortable lounge in her bead and close the gap between them. "Don't make me wait," he murmured while striding past, a degree of his normal demeanor returning to his voice, yet the mischievous tone still remained, and the smirk that had been plastered to his face all morning still lingered.
One more chapter to go!
Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me!