In the morning when Lara woke up, her hands went to her side to search for the familiar warmth and scent that she savored for the whole night. She jerked her eyes open when she realized that was alone. Her mood dipped. She had spent the whole night in Marcus's arms, even though there were only a few hours remaining for the night to end. "I will come to visit you every night, Lara," he had said just before she went off to sleep on his sweet reassurances.

Lara yawned and stretched her limbs. She turned her gaze to the left and through the gauzy curtains found a group of...