The morning sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long, golden rectangles across the rumpled sheets. Elias woke first, watching the way the light played across Julian's sleeping face. The arrogance was gone, replaced by a soft, peaceful exhaustion.
For the first time in ten years, Elias didn't feel the need to compete. He didn't feel the urge to prove he was the better architect or the sharper mind. He just wanted to stay in this moment, in this room, with this man.
Julian stirred, blinking slowly. He looked up at Elias and smiled—a small, sleepy thing that made Elias's heart ache.
"Morning," Julian murmured, his voice gravelly.
"Morning," Elias replied, kissing his forehead.
Julian stretched, the movement pulling the sheet down to his waist. He looked toward the
