//CLARA//
I woke up to a weight on my abdomen that didn't feel like a warm rug.
A large hand was still pressed over my stomach, and it had kept the cramps at bay all night. He was still here, his head resting against the headboard, sleeping soundly, peacefully.
His fingers twitched, tightening almost imperceptibly, as if even in dreams he sought to hold me in place.
"Casimir," I whispered, reaching out to brush a stray dark lock from his forehead. "Casimir, wake up. Hattie will be here any minute."
His lashes fluttered, and when he opened his eyes, they were fogged with sleep—a hazy, dark storm. He blinked at me, his hand reflexively tightening on my abdomen before he realized where he was.
"Are you feeling better?" he murmured, his voice thick and gravelly.
"Yes," I replied, and I meant it.
The tension in his shoulders melted. He gave me a small, relieved smile, and before I could process it, he leaned down.
His lips brushed mine.
