Soft morning light filtered through the tall bedroom windows, warming the quiet room. Aurora stirred first. Her eyes slowly opened as she blinked against the sunlight spilling across the bed. For a moment she simply lay there, enjoying the silence of the house. No tiny footsteps. No toys hitting the floor. Elara was still asleep. Aurora carefully shifted, planning to quietly slip out of bed before anyone else woke up. The arm wrapped around her waist tightened immediately. She sighed softly. Of course. Behind her, Ian Somerhalder was still half asleep, his face tucked against her neck, his arm securely holding her against him like she belonged exactly there. Aurora gently tried lifting his arm. It didn’t move. “Ian,” she whispered. A low hum came from him. “Mm.” “I’m getting up.” “No you’re not.” Aurora let out a quiet laugh. “You’re literally asleep.” “Doesn’t mean I’m wrong.” She attempted to slide forward anyway. Ian immediately pulled her right back against his chest. Aurora closed her eyes for a second. “You’re holding me hostage.” One blue eye opened slowly. “Correct.” She turned slightly to look at him. His hair was messy, his expression sleepy—but the corner of his mouth already held that familiar teasing smirk. “I need coffee,” Aurora said. “You need to relax,” he replied, his voice still deep and rough from sleep. “I have things to do.” “Like what?” Aurora looked at him. “Living a normal, productive life.” Ian hummed thoughtfully. “Sounds exhausting.” She tried moving again. Bad idea. Ian shifted quickly, pulling her closer until her back was pressed completely against him again. “Ian.” “Yes, wife?” “Let go.” “No.” Aurora turned her head slightly to give him a look. “You’re thirty years old.” “And?” “You’re acting like a teenager.” Ian smirked, clearly not offended. “You married the teenager.” Aurora sighed, though she was clearly trying not to smile. Ian’s gaze slowly traveled across her face, like he was still waking up but very much enjoying the view. “You look pretty,” he said casually. Aurora narrowed her eyes. “I just woke up.” “Exactly.” She tried to move again, but Ian smoothly rolled slightly, pulling her halfway under him so she couldn’t escape. Aurora gasped softly. “Ian!” He grinned down at her. “Good morning.” “You’re unbelievable.” “You love me.” “That’s debatable.” Ian leaned down slightly, his voice lowering playfully. “You didn’t seem to think that last night.” Aurora stared at him. “Ian.” “What?” She pushed lightly at his shoulder. “You’re ridiculous.” “And you’re still in bed,” he pointed out. Aurora tried to sit up again. Ian immediately pulled her back down against the pillows. “Seriously?” she said. “Very.” Aurora crossed her arms. “I’m getting up.” Ian rested one arm beside her head, leaning slightly closer. “Why are you always trying to escape me in the morning?” he asked dramatically. “I’m not escaping you.” “That’s exactly what someone escaping would say.” Aurora rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible.” Ian smiled lazily, brushing a strand of her hair away from her face. “You’re warm,” he murmured. “That’s not a reason.” “It’s a great reason.” Aurora looked at him. “Are you going to let me go?” Ian thought about it for a moment. “No.” Aurora sighed. The house around them remained quiet. Down the hallway, Elara was still asleep. And Ian clearly had no intention of letting Aurora leave the bed anytime soon. Instead, he leaned down and pressed a slow kiss to her lips, smiling slightly when she immediately tried not to smile back. “See?” he murmured. Aurora raised an eyebrow. “See what?” Ian shrugged lightly. “Best part of my morning.” Aurora shook her head, though the small smile on her face gave her away.