09

My eyes slowly opened. My vision was still hazy from sleep and I closed my eyes again. Turning to my side, I burrowed deeper under the soft covers.

“Hmm…” I groaned when my aching muscles protested.

I needed a break from working.

My bed moved, and knowing it was not from me, my eyes snapped open and I came face to face with Alessio.

He was sitting on the bed, but leaning forward until his face was close to mine.

“Good morning,” he said.

My eyes widened and I let out a scream. As I tried to scramble off the bed, the covers twisted around me in my haste and I ended up on the floor in a heap.

I stared up at him, my chest heaving. I was sure I looked frightened, while he seemed ready to pounce.

My head spun as the memories of the night before came crashing into my mind like never ending wild waves.

“Oh my God,” I whispered, trying to untangle myself from the covers. When I was finally free, I stood up and took several steps away, tryin