Nathan stood at the edge of the bed and looked down at Serena, whose eyes shone in the dim light of the hotel room. He gently placed his hands on the sides of her face, his thumbs gently stroking her cheeks. Her skin was soft under his touch, and every line of her face seemed to draw him deeper into her. Her willing gaze, so full of trust and vulnerability, was a temptation he could hardly resist. But he knew he had to resist, for her good.

"It was a rough night. We should rest," he said gently, trying to calm her down while keeping his distance. He had almost...