JULIAN

“Come here,” she said gently.

I crossed the room and stopped in front of her. She stood up and reached for my tie, her fingers brushing my neck as she finished loosening it.

“Let me help,” Claire said, pulling the tie free and setting it aside.

Her hands moved to my shirt buttons next, opening them one by one with slow, careful movements. Her touch was light but sure.

“You don’t have to do this,” I told her.

“I know,” she replied, pushing the shirt off my shoulders and it fell to the floor. “But you’re carrying so much right now. Let me take care of you tonight.”

Something...