For the first time in years, she felt a sense of peace, of rightness – as if the fractured pieces of her soul had finally been made whole again.

Kaden stirred beside her, his arm tightening reflexively as he nuzzled closer. "Morning," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.

Elena rolled over to face him, drinking in the sight of his tousled hair and sleep-creased features. "Morning," she echoed, her lips curving into a soft smile.

Kaden's intense gaze roamed over her bare skin, his eyes darkening with unspoken hunger. "Last night wasn't a dream, was it?"

Elena's smile deepened as she recalled the fervent passion that had consumed them,...