The air in the room felt very cold that night. You squirmed slowly under the thick blanket, your body shrinking to the side of the bed because the air conditioning was so piercing. Beside you, Zayne was still sleeping, his face as calm as ever… and, yes—as always, shirtless. He was crazy.

You tucked your hands into the blanket, trying to find warmth, but your body continued to shiver. Just as you tried to close your eyes again, Zayne groaned softly and stirred. He opened his eyes slowly, then turned his head to look at you.

“You’re shaking,” he mumbled softly in the raspy voice of someone who had just woken up.

“The AC is really cold,” you whispered, curling up tighter.

He glanced at the AC remote control lying on the floor. “It shouldn’t be that cold.”

“But it’s cold,” you protested, tucking your nose into the blanket.

Zayne snorted softly. “Next time, don’t sleep in my room if you can’t stand the cold.”

“You forced it.”

He paused for a moment, then suddenly pulled the blanket off you with a lazy tug. You were startled.

“Zayne!” you exclaimed, reflexively pulling it back.

But he only moved closer, his hands easily reaching for your waist. In seconds, your body was curled up in his large, warm embrace. You pressed directly against his broad, cool—but oddly comfortable—chest.

“Your skin is cold too,” you murmured softly.

“I’m still warmer than the AC,” he said lazily, his voice low, almost a soft snore.

You remained silent, listening to his steady heartbeat. His breath fanned lightly against your hair.

“Look,” he said, his large hand gently stroking your back. “If you’re cold, just tell me. Don’t shiver alone like a frozen penguin.”

You laughed softly. “I thought you could stand the cold, look at that… bare chest.”

“I can stand the cold. But I can stand you too.” His voice was deep and soft, as if he were grinding each word before it left his mouth.

You looked up. His eyes were half-open, staring at you with an expression that was hard to describe—somewhere between affection, annoyance, and… possessiveness. His face moved slightly closer. His nose brushed against yours.

“You’ve gotten me into a strange habit. I usually sleep alone, without hugs, without a sound. Now, when you’re not around, it feels like something’s missing.”

Your heart beats a little faster.

“Do you realize that, of all the people I’ve ever fought on the battlefield… the one I’ve had the hardest time conquering was you?”

You can only swallow hard. “I didn’t mean to make you submit.”

“Unfortunately, you did.” Zayne’s hand moved from your back to your waist, holding you in his embrace. “And now I’m not letting go.”

He paused for a moment, then pulled the blanket over the two of you. “If you’re still cold, I can hug you tighter.”

You rested your head on his chest. “You’re always cold, Zayne…”

He chuckled softly. “Because you’re always hot. To balance things out.”