Chapter 35 The Proposal

• Briar woke slowly, her lashes fluttering open as soft light spilled through the curtains. The first thing she saw was Damien, fully dressed, standing over her with his hands in his pockets and a quiet, thoughtful expression on his face.
• “Morning,” she murmured, stretching languidly before stifling a yawn. “What are you doing up so early?”
• “I had to check something I put in the paper,” Damien said softly, his voice calm but deliberate. He sat down beside her and reached out to brush a loose strand of hair from her forehead, his fingers lingering just a moment too long. His eyes softened as he studied her. “You look so beautiful when you are sleeping,” he whispered. “Like an angel who somehow fell to earth.”