The first slivers of dawn painted the room in a pale, guilty light. Afiya stirred from a sleep, her mind hazy but consciousness brought with it an immediate awareness of heavy, possessive heat wrapped around her. Ahmed was there, his strong body curled tightly against her back like a dragon unwilling to let go of its treasure. His muscular arm lay heavy across her waist, his broad chest pressed flush to her spine, and his slow, warm breaths gently ruffled the strands of her hair.

A sharp flicker of panic ignited in her chest. Ammi would be waking up any moment now. She tried to wiggle free, attempting to slip out from under his heavy arm before anyone could discover them like this.