Three hours later, Leia awoke feeling refreshed. The lingering warmth beside her made her turn, and she found Riley sleeping soundly. His even breaths and relaxed expression brought a soft smile to her lips.
"He really stayed with me… such a sweet man," she mused, warmth spreading in her chest.
For a moment, she simply watched him, admiring the peaceful way he slept. Then, unable to resist, she reached out and gently shook his shoulder.
"Riley, wake up," she murmured.
His eyelids fluttered open, his gaze hazy with sleep before focusing on her. A lazy smile tugged at his lips.
"Oh? You're finally up," he said, stretching with a groggy chuckle. "Come on, Leia, I've been starving all day."
As he sat up and began dressing, Leia couldn't help but blush. Her eyes traced the sculpted muscles of his back before drifting lower.
No matter how many times she saw him, she was always struck by how effortlessly masculine he was.
