The chill seeped in once more.

Jasmine wrapped the heavy velvet blanket more closely around her shoulders, yet it did little to soothe the turmoil inside her. The warmth from Xavier's mark had long vanished, supplanted by a persistent emptiness that wouldn’t disappear. She positioned herself close to the balcony doors, the wind roaring like a creature outside the glass. Moonlight glinted on her exposed legs, her skin light against the dark silk nightgown Jeanne had left for her as a caution.

Xavier didn’t return last night

Not after what happened in the bath. Not after the taste of fear that mingled with desire.

Her body still remembered the dominance...