Golden morning sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the grand penthouse, warm and soft. Evelyn slowly opened her eyes, feeling a comforting heat wrapped tightly around her body.

She turned her head slightly and saw Julian lying right beside her. His broad right arm was resting across her waist, pulling her close against his chest. His handsome face looked completely peaceful in the gentle morning light, all his usual harsh lines and stress melted away in sleep.

Evelyn felt a sweet wave of warmth fill her entire heart. Last night had changed everything between them. The heavy emotional walls they had built up over years of pain and...