When Roman turned to look at her, he realized her voice had gone quiet. Evelyn was asleep. Her lashes rested softly against her cheeks, her lips slightly parted, body pliant in his arms. The bold, seductive woman from minutes ago had vanished—replaced by someone small and trusting. A slow smile touched his mouth.

Carefully, he brushed the damp strands of hair away from her face. The sea still clung to their skin, salt drying in faint crystals. He moved gently, scooping water in his palm to rinse her clean before lifting her into his arms. She stirred but didn’t wake.

Inside the villa, he laid her on the bed and...