CHAPTER 51: A Whirlwind of Uncertainties

　　A gasp escaped my lips as I jolted awake, my heart hammering a frantic rhythm against my ribs. The sheets tangled around me were damp with sweat, a sharp disparity to the cool air conditioning. My dream–vivid, erotic, and entirely too real–faded like smoke, leaving behind a delicious ache and a heightened awareness of my own body.

　　Just then, a rapping on my door shattered the remnants of my sleep.

　　"Evie! Get up, sleepyhead! You'll be late for the airport!" Via's voice, usually bright and cheerful, held a hint of worry. When I looked at the clock beside me, I realized that I was indeed running late.

　　"I'm up, I'm up!" I scrambled out of bed, threw on my robe, and rushed to the door. Relief washed over me as I saw Via, hair a mess and eyes bleary with sleep, but a genuine smile spread across her face.

　　"Morning," I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep.

　　"Morning, beautiful," she chirped, pulling me into a quick hug. "You look like you could use some coffee."