BEAUTIFUL REDEMPTION (CHIBS TELFORD)

Price of Sin

💘( Price of Sin! )✨

TEN

[ Set before the Culling ]

" Brutality isn't justice. If we hurt those who hurt us, we become just as bad as they are. "

~ AVERY CASE

☆《》¤ 

CHIBS TELFORD STIRRED AWAKE, the first rays of dawn casting a soft, golden glow across Avery's bedroom. As he slowly regained consciousness, the memories of the previous night flooded back - the passionate, intense connection they had shared. He felt a warmth beside him and turned to see Avery nestled against his chest, her breathing soft and steady.

Her bare skin was warm against his, as he gently traced the curve of her shoulder, marvelling at the peacefulness on her face. Her hair was tousled, spread across the pillow, and her lips were slightly parted in sleep. Chibs couldn't help but smile at the sight; she looked so serene, so vulnerable - so beautiful. 

Chibs sighed with content, his heart swelling with emotions he hadn't expected to feel so deeply. He tightened his arm around her, feeling her instinctively snuggle closer in her sleep. As he lay there, holding her close, he felt a profound sense of peace, but also a burgeoning protectiveness and affection for the woman beside him.

Avery slowly stirred from her sleep, the remnants of dreams fading away as she felt the soft light of the morning sun on her skin. She blinked a few times, her eyes adjusting to the brightness, and as her vision cleared, she saw Chibs gazing down at her.

He lay propped up on one elbow, his eyes filled with a mix of tenderness and contemplation. His rough, weathered face softened with a smile as their eyes met, and he reached out to gently brush a strand of hair from her face.

"Morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice a gravelly whisper that sent a shiver down her spine.

Avery smiled sheepishly, feeling a warmth spread through her at the sight of him, "Morning," she whispered back, her hand instinctively reaching up to trace the lines and scars on his cheeks, the features she had come to admire so much.

Chibs closed his eyes for a moment, leaning into her touch, "You sleep well?" he asked, his voice a soothing balm. 

"Better than I have in a long time," Avery admitted, her fingers continuing their gentle exploration. "What about you?"

"Just watched over you," he said softly, his eyes opening to gaze into hers. "Couldn't take my eyes off you."

Avery's heart swelled at his words, a blush crossing her cheeks as she leaned up to press a tender kiss to his lips, "Thank you for being here," she murmured against his mouth, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the man beside her.