Aria stirred awake,

The warmth of the soft, luxury silk was heavy against her bare skin, her entire body ached from exhaustion, a satisfied smile of pleasure tugged at the corner of her lips as she turned around in bed with her eyes closed. She felt herself press against Lucien’s chest and her cheeks reddened, as she felt the heat of his skin and his rising heartbeat.

His hand tightened instinctively around her as her eyes opened,

From the very moment she woke up, she could tell that he was already awake.

“Good morning,” he murmured in a soft tone, his voice husky, still deep in sleep.

She tilted her...