In an almost unconscious impulse, Thor pulled Celina toward him, pressing her body against his, as if only then could he breathe peacefully.

Celina woke up startled. She looked at him, confused, her eyes still heavy with sleep. Their faces were too close. The silence between them was too intense.

She opened her mouth to ask something.

"Thor?" Celina's voice came out low, hoarse from sleep and surprise.

Her eyes, still somewhat lost, found him in the dark. The room was quiet, but his presence was anything but silent. His warm body against hers, his arm around her waist, the familiar scent of cologne and something else... something that made her feel protected and confused at the same time.

Thor didn't answer right away. He just closed his eyes and took a deep breath, as if that moment were the only peace he had known since arriving in Dubai.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her tone firmer now, though still low.

"Trying to sleep," he said at last, without moving.

Celina turned sl