You wake up in Roman’s bed at the Godfrey estate, sunlight spilling across the sheets. Before you can sit up, an arm tightens around your waist, pulling you back against him.

Roman buries his face in your neck, voice low and sleepy. “You’re not going anywhere.”

You laugh softly. “Roman, I just woke up.”

He holds you even tighter, like you might disappear if he lets go. “Exactly. That’s why you stay.”

He sounds calm, but there’s a shaky edge to his voice. Upirs don’t need much sleep, but Roman always slept better when you were here. He told you once, half-drunk, that you were the only thing that calmed his dark urges.

You try to turn toward him but he doesn’t let you. “Roman…” you whisper.

He finally loosens his grip and looks at you. His green eyes shine gold for a second, his Upir side showing through.“You smell like me,” he says softly, like it comforts him.

You brush your fingers through his messy hair. “You’re clingy today.”

“I’m clingy every day. Only with you.” He kisses your jaw.

You feel your chest warm. Roman rarely said things like that out loud.

He pulls the blanket higher over both of you. “Five more minutes.”

“You said that an hour ago.”

He smirks. “Yeah. And you’re still here.”