“I’m sorry,” Aurora whispered against Rowan's skin, and she didn’t know if she meant for not trying to understand him, for the silent treatment, for loving him this much, for not being able to respect his wishes, for still needing him now. But he didn’t ask or respond, just pulled the blanket over them and held her still.

She fell asleep with her ear pressed to his chest, her hand curled over his heart, listening to it beat out a rhythm she felt undeserving to enjoy but still wanted.

Rowan didn’t sleep that night. Throughout the night his gaze was on the most beautiful woman hed ever laid eyes on....