Rafael's POV 

She was tense under my hands when I started.

Her body coiled like she was waiting for a trap. I didn’t rush, didn’t give her time to overthink. I just began at her collarbone, my palms sliding over her skin, learning the shape of her.

She was softer than I expected, softer than she let herself be in front of others. The heat had stripped away the sharp edges, left her exposed and flushed, her usual sarcasm replaced by something raw and needy.

“You’re beautiful,” I murmured, my thumbs brushing the undersides of her breasts. 

She stiffened, a sound of protest forming, but I pressed a finger to...