Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3096

Once Norah was fully asleep, Xavier gently pushed her back a few inches and wedged the blanket firmly between them.

Still, sleep eluded him. The alcohol he had consumed seemed to only now be taking full effect. The delicate, sweet scent lingering in the air only stoked the heat surging through his veins.

A few moments later, he got up and walked into the bathroom.

After standing under a freezing cold shower, he stepped out and stood by the window, letting the cool night breeze hit his face. An entire hour passed. Only when dawn was threatening to break did he finally return to bed.

To say Norah was a restless sleeper would be the understatement of the century. The barrier blanket he had set up was already kicked halfway across the floor. Her head was currently jammed between two pillows, and she was sleeping soundly, letting out soft, rhythmic breaths.

In that brief moment, she looked incredibly sweet and well-behaved.

But the second he laid down, she rolled right back into his arms.

Xavier stared at the ceiling in defeat.

He wasn't getting a single second of sleep tonight.

*

The next morning, by the time Norah woke up, the sun was fully up. She was the only one in bed; Xavier was gone.

She stretched lazily and got up. Hearing laughter and voices outside, she padded over to the window. Down below, she spotted Xavier and Dylan walking back from a mountain trail.

Xavier was dressed in a sleek black tracksuit that highlighted his tall, athletic build. The morning sun cast a golden halo over his broad shoulders, completely washing away his usual detached, cynical aura and replacing it with something vibrant and strikingly handsome.

Resting her arms on the windowsill, her bright eyes were locked entirely on him, a soft, involuntary smile touching her lips.

As the two men drew closer, Norah called out, "Where did you guys go?"

Xavier looked up. His sharp, rugged features were framed by deep, intense eyes, yet as his gaze landed on her, a profound softness he wasn't even aware of flickered within them.

Norah gazed down at him, her own eyes practically glowing with affection.

Dylan grinned brightly. "You have to come back and visit! There are still so many gorgeous spots up in the mountains."

Norah nodded with a beaming smile. "We will!"

She genuinely loved it here.

Right before they got into the car, Mrs. Potts suddenly came sprinting toward them, carrying a massive bag. "Wait! Don't go yet!"

Breathless, she shoved the entire bag into Norah's arms. "These are wild mushrooms we dried ourselves, along with some other local treats. Take them back to the city and enjoy!"

Norah tried to politely decline. "Thank you so much, but Mrs. Donovan already gave us way too much!"

"What the Donovans give is their business, this is from me! You did us a massive favor, and we know how to show our gratitude!" Mrs. Potts said. Then, she pulled out five hundred dollars in cash, looking a bit sheepish. "Honestly, that orchid isn't worth much. I completely scammed you last time. Here's your money back!"

Norah laughed gently. "Pulling up your orchid to feed my rabbit was definitely my fault. Please, keep the money."