The next morning arrived with a quiet intensity that hummed under Elena’s skin. She had barely slept, replaying Marcus’s words from the night before — I love watching it drip out of you — and the way her body had responded so eagerly. By the time the house began to stir, she was already wet again, aching with anticipation.

Victoria left for a morning volunteer shift at the local library shortly after breakfast. The moment the front door closed, Elena didn’t wait. She found Marcus in his home office, standing by the window with a cup of coffee. He turned when she entered, eyes darkening the instant he saw the...