#44

Eve’s POV:

After returning from the masked ball, the exhaustion of the night had washed over me. I took a quick shower and, without much effort, succumbed to sleep. The hotel room provided a sanctuary of comfort.

Morning arrived with the gentle invitation of sunlight filtering through the translucent curtains. A sense of calm and restfulness washed over me, a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time. As my eyes fluttered open, the soft morning glow coaxed me into wakefulness.

I tried to get up when I felt something warm and heavy next to me. I didn't even realize when Ryan laid down next to me in bed. He hasn't even taken off his masquerade ball clothes. I guess he wanted to sit next to me but fell asleep. I took a moment to look at him.

Ryan had a certain cocky demeanor about him, but in this quiet morning moment, it seemed to vanish, revealing a more vulnerable side. My gaze softened as I turned to study him.

He was, undeniably, a striking figure. His features were those of a man