Chapter 67: New Beginnings
Lily stirred from her sleep, awareness creeping in as morning light filtered through the curtains. Something felt different. The bed was firmer than hers, the sheets smoother. A distinct scent of pine and musk filled her senses.
There was only one person she knew who had that distinct scent.
Her eyes flew open in shock.
Zayn laid next to her, relaxed and sound asleep. He was shirtless, his tanned skin marred with dark scars – and something else. Blood. Dried blood spattered his chest and arms, even flecked across his face. Despite this alarming sight, he slept peacefully, his usual stern expression softened in slumber.
Her heart hammered in her chest.
How did she end up here?
Memories of last night flooded back. After Zayn had left her room following their tense discussion about producing an heir, she’d paced restlessly, unable to calm her racing thoughts. She needed to speak with him, to make him understand that she wasn’t rejecting the idea – she just needed time.
It took her a while, but she eventually gathered up what courage she had and headed to hi room. Finding his door slightly ajar, she’d peered in, only to discover the room empty. The faint scent of him lingered in the room. It drew her inside against her better judgment.
His scent was everywhere – on the sheets, the pillows, even in the very air she breathed.
Lily remembered sitting on the edge of his bed, planning to wait just a few minutes. But exhaustion had overtaken her, his bed offering a strange comfort she hadn’t expected. Eventually, she found herself leaning down on the soft bed.
His scent wrapped around her like a protective shield, making her feel safe. It gave her a sense of belonging. Her eyelids grew heavy. A blink turned into a night of restful sleep. One she had not had in a long time.
Now here she was, waking up beside him. And he was covered in blood.