LINDA

In my excitement, I’d completely forgotten the state I was.

I wasn't wearing a bra—just an ultra-thin, light grey cropped tank top that was completely soaked through with sweat from my workout. The damp fabric was sticking to my skin like glue, clinging tightly to every single curve, outlining everything far too clearly in the bright morning light flooding through the living room windows.

Alaric’s eyes lingered there for a long, heavy beat. He didn't rush to look away. There was a quiet, intense beat where the air in the room felt like it lost all its oxygen. His gaze was dark, warm, and utterly unhurried.

When he finally...