Chapter 12: Morning After

The warm glow of the morning sun peeked through the blinds, casting a golden light on the rumpled bed and the two entwined bodies. Eric's chest rose and fell with each breath, his arms wrapped tightly around Maya, holding her close. He couldn't believe what had just happened. He had made love to her while she was asleep, and yet, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. As he gazed down at her, he noticed the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the soft curve of her lips, and the delicate features of her face. He felt a pang of guilt for taking her while she was asleep, but he couldn't deny the excitement and thrill that had coursed through his veins. He had been drawn to her from the moment he met her, and now, he was completely under her spell. Maya stirred, her body shifting slightly as she began to wake up. Eric's eyes locked onto hers, and he smiled softly as she opened her eyes, a look of confusion and disorientation crossing her face. "Morning," he whispered, his voice low and husky. Maya's eyes widened as she took in her surroundings, her gaze drifting from Eric's face to the rumpled bed and back again. A flush spread across her cheeks, and she looked away, her eyes dropping to the floor. Eric's fingers gently brushed against her cheek, turning her face back to his. "Maya, look at me," he whispered, his voice filled with tenderness. Maya's eyes met his, a mix of emotions swirling in their depths. She looked scared, confused, and aroused, all at the same time. Eric's heart went out to her, and he pulled her close, his lips brushing against her ear. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I didn't mean to take you while you were asleep. I just couldn't help myself." Maya's body stiffened, her muscles tensing as she pulled away from him. "You...you made love to me while I was asleep?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Eric nodded, his eyes filled with regret. "I know it wasn't right, but I just couldn't resist. I wanted you so badly, and I didn't think I could wait." Maya's face went pale, and she scrambled out of bed, her body trembling. Eric reached out, his hands grasping for her, but she was already heading for the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her. Eric sat up, his heart heavy with regret. He knew he had crossed a line, and he wasn't sure if he could ever make it right. He lay back on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as he waited for Maya to emerge from the bathroom. The silence between them was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Eric knew he had to make things right, but he wasn't sure where to start. He had taken something from her, something precious and intimate, and he wasn't sure if he could ever give it back. The bathroom door creaked open, and Maya stepped out, her eyes red-rimmed and her face pale. Eric's heart went out to her, and he reached out, his hands grasping for hers. "Maya, I'm sorry," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I was wrong to take you while you were asleep. I promise I'll make it up to you, but you have to let me try." Maya's eyes searched his face, her expression unreadable. For a moment, Eric thought he saw a glimmer of hope, a spark of forgiveness, but it was quickly extinguished. "I need some time," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need to think about what happened." Eric nodded, his heart heavy with regret. He knew he had hurt her, and he wasn't sure if he could ever fully repair the damage. But he was willing to try, for her sake and for his own. As Maya turned and walked away, Eric felt a pang of fear. Had he lost her? Had he gone too far? He didn't know, but he was willing to do whatever it took to make things right between them.