As Valine was reading, Dimitri entered the room, his presence like a comforting anchor in her world.

"Dimitri, you're back."

Dimitri walked over to her and kissed her forehead, "Yes, I am. Have you eaten?"

"Yes, I already had dinner. Almira joined me, and we had a nice chat."

"That sounds lovely. I'm glad you had a good time”

She put down her book, “How about you? Did you already eat?”

Dimitri nodded and started to unbutton her polo, “I ate with Carson. We just ate”

Valine forced her gaze away from the body of Dimitri as he started to undress, “At this hour?”

“Yes, we forgot the time”

“You...