Chapter 36: Desire

Chapter 36: Desire       A low groan slipped past Noelle's lips as she stirred. Her body sank further into the unfamiliar mattress beneath her. Her limbs felt heavy, as if weighed down by exhaustion, and a dull, persistent ache pulsed through her entire body.   Her brows knitted together as her breathing quickened.   This wasn't her apartment.   This wasn't anywhere she recognized.   A rush of unease coursed through her veins, but before panic could take hold, a sharper sensation flared in her stomach. She instinctively curled inward with one hand drifting down to soothe the discomfort.   But the moment her fingers touched something familiar, warm and rough—she instantly jolted up with her eyes snapping open.   Her breath caught in her throat as her wide, disbelieving eyes took in the sight before her.   There, beside her, was Adrian.   He was slouched forward in a chair beside her bed. His head was resting against the mattress as if he had been there for hours. His breathing was slow