Chapter 363 - Three Hundred And Sixty Two

Chapter 363: Chapter Three Hundred And Sixty Two

Bright yellow sunlight streamed softly through the tall glass windows of the bedroom, casting long, peaceful shadows across the floorboards and warm carpets. Outside, a gentle morning breeze rustled the light inner lining of the silk curtains, making them sway back and forth in a quiet, rhythmic pattern. In the trees just beyond the balcony, small birds chirped happily, singing sweet, melodious tunes to welcome the brand-new day. It was indeed what anyone would describe as a truly good and peaceful morning.

Camilla’s consciousness slowly returned to her. She shifted her body under the thick, warm blankets, planning to stretch her stiff, tired limbs, but her head bumped into something broad, soft, and solid.

She opened her eyes slowly, her eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks as she adjusted to the soft morning light filling the room. She tilted her head upward and saw Damon’s handsome face resting only inches away from her own. He was fast asleep, his breathing deep and steady, his sharp features relaxed in a state of peace she hasn’t seen in a while.

Camilla looked down beneath the blankets and noticed his arm was wrapped loosely around her waist. Even while buried deep in sleep, his body instinctually protected her. He held her close to his chest with extreme care, making sure his broad arm did not press against her bruised side or rub against her fractured ribs.

She lay there motionless for several minutes, enjoying the quiet warmth of his body pressed against hers. The soft fabric of his nightshirt felt cool against her skin, and the steady, rhythmic thud of his heart against his chest sounded like a comforting lullaby. She felt the rise and fall of his chest with every breath he took.

A warm, radiant smile spread across Camilla’s face. She felt a sweet, unfamiliar flutter deep inside her chest. It was a gentle, glowing feeling she had never experienced in her past cold isolated life. In her previous life, mornings were marked by silence, and weapon checks. She had never known the simple comfort of waking up beside someone who cared for her safety more than his own.

She thought to herself, "I never knew I would be so happy to see someone alive."

She raised her right hand slowly, lifting her small fingers to faintly trace the sharp line of his jaw. Her fingertips moved lightly over the warm skin of his cheeks, feeling the rough stubble along his jawline. She traced the soft curve of his nose, the arch of his dark eyebrows, and the smooth skin beneath his closed eyes.

She leaned in just an inch closer, inhaling the familiar scent of his skin—a mixture of clean lavender soap, subtle cedarwood, and the bitter trace of lingering herbal medicine. She pressed her face gently against his neck, resting her nose against his collarbone, enjoying the quiet intimacy of the early morning.

Before she could pull her hand back, a warm, strong palm suddenly shifted beneath the covers and caught her fingers in mid-air.

Camilla jerked slightly from the sudden movement, her breath catching in her throat.

Damon opened his eyes slowly. His dark brown irises were heavy with sleep, but they shone with immediate, intense affection the moment they focused on her face. His voice came out as a low, raspy groan from disuse and recent sleep.

"Good morning, my lady," Damon said softly.

He lifted her small hand toward his face and pressed his warm lips gently against her knuckles. He did not stop there. He held her wrist tenderly, turning her hand over to kiss the soft center of her palm. Then, slowly and deliberately, he kissed each and every one of her fingertips, one by one, taking his time, his deep gaze never leaving her eyes for even a single second.

Camilla felt a flush of heat rise rapidly to her cheeks. She used her free hand to reach up and playfully run her fingers through his dark, messy hair, untangling the soft strands that had fallen over his forehead.

"Good morning, my lord," Camilla replied, her voice soft and full of bright amusement.

Damon gently tightened his grip on her hand, a small, stubborn frown forming on his forehead. He looked at her with playful strictness and corrected her immediately.

"Damon."

Camilla pulled her fingers free from his hold with a light, playful tug. She reached over and lightly hit his solid chest with her palm, making sure to avoid his bandaged midsection completely.

"I know," Camilla said with a bright, melodic laugh. "I was just returning..."

Damon did not wait for her to finish her sentence. Moving with sudden, smooth grace that betrayed his weak condition, he reached out with both hands, cupped her face between his large, warm palms, and pulled her down into a deep kiss.

The rest of her words died instantly in Camilla’s throat. Her mind froze for a split second, but her body did not wait for her brain to process what was happening. Her arms moved entirely on their own, sliding upward and wrapping tightly around his neck as she kissed him back with equal fervor.

The warmth of his mouth washed over her, sweeping away every trace of caution and reserve. Damon shifted his weight slightly on the mattress, leaning over her frame while remaining extremely careful not to crush her injured side. He shifted his focus, trailing his hot, lingering kisses away from her lips, moving along the sharp line of her jaw, down her chin, and resting against the sensitive, warm skin of her neck.

His fingers slid smoothly up her arms, catching the silk straps of her nightwear. With a gentle, deliberate pull, he slid the fabric off her shoulders, letting it slide down her arms until the soft cloth bunched loosely at her waist.

Camilla felt dizzy, her head spinning from the overwhelming wave of raw emotion, comfort, and physical desire surging through her entire frame. She buried her fingers deep into his thick hair, pulling him closer to her skin, letting her body press into his warmth.