Chapter 470: Dawn's First Light Crept Through the Curtains

Dawn's first light crept through the curtains as Elena Ward opened her eyes. A golden sunbeam slanted across the bed where Adrian Stone's arm still lay heavily around her waist, his warm breath brushing her bare shoulder.

She shifted slightly, wincing at the soreness in her lower back. Memories of the previous night flooded back, heating her cheeks.

"Awake?" His gravelly voice vibrated against her ear as he tightened his embrace, his stubble grazing her hair before he pressed a kiss to her shoulder.

Elena ducked her chin. "Stop it..."

"Still hurting?" His fingers traced the faint bruise at her waist.

She shook her head, then nodded. "Better than last night." Though her healing force could heal it instantly, she secretly cherished this sweet ache.

Adrian suddenly rolled over, caging her beneath him, forehead touching hers. "Happy wedding, Mrs. Stone."

"Colonel Stone, you're fully responsible for me now." She poked his chest with a laugh.

Their morning intimacy quickly turned passionate. By the time Adrian carried her to the bathroom, the wall clock showed 9:30.

"This is your fault!" Flushed, Elena pushed him out. "Your parents must know everything..."

When she finally descended the stairs properly dressed, unfamiliar voices drifted from the living room. Aunt Agnes hovered at the staircase, hesitating. "Dr. Ward... your father is here."

Elena froze, her sweater collar caught mid-adjustment. Slowly pulling it into place, her fingertips turned icy.

Victor Hale? How dare he come to the Stone residence?