Isla’s POV
I don’t remember falling asleep. One minute I’m sitting on the couch, staring at my phone, waiting for Ethan to reply.
My body jerks upright, disoriented, my heart jumping straight into my throat, and I almost fell off the couch.
“Whoa—hey—”
Strong hands catch me instantly, firm and steady. Zayne. His arm wraps around my waist before I can slip completely, pulling me back against him.
“Careful,” he mutters.
My breath comes out in a rush. “What the—”
I blink rapidly, trying to focus. He’s sitting beside me.
And for a split second, the shock of waking up like that sends a wave of panic through me.
“Jesus—Zayne,” I breathe, pressing a hand to my chest. “You scared me.”
His grip loosens slightly, but his hand lingers at my side.
“Didn’t mean to.” His voice is low, care
