No Strings Attached

Amber opened her eyes slowly, blinking against the brightness of the room. She was disoriented for a moment, her mind clouded with sleep and confusion. Suddenly, she heard Alexander's deep voice, "Good morning." She jolted awake, startled by the sound. She had forgotten for a moment where she was, and the events of the previous night came rushing back to her in a flood of painful memory.

She sat up slowly, wincing as her sore muscles protested at the movement. "Good morning," she mumbled in reply, her voice still hoarse with sleep. She looked around the room, taking in her surroundings and trying to suppress the uneasy feeling that was growing in her gut. She turned her gaze to Alexander, who was standing by the bed, watching her with a stoic expression.