Lucille's breath hitched when Ashrik's eyes were locked with hers.
His gaze was calm and steady. His dark irises flickered with a quiet surprise before soft amusement gleamed there.
For a heartbeat, neither of them moved as she remained rooted in the same position.
"Woof!"
Dobby's tiny bark of greeting broke the brief silence.
Lucille straightened up abruptly once the stillness cracked, her face flushing from the sudden closeness. She stumbled over her words, "I... I didn't mean to wake you up. Sorry... You were sleeping so soundly."
Ashrik's lips curved slightly, a small tug that had almost turned into a smile. When laughter had almost slipped out of them, he quickly held back.
Her face might resemble the red apple if he truly laughed.
Ashrik leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he sat up on the couch. "You didn't wake me. My alarm should ring soon, anyway."
His voice was low and warm, slightly raspy from his sleep, but it had no hint of teasing.
