"Mr. Ford, close your eyes," Celeste whispered, her voice so soft it was almost a breath.

Her tone was gentle, barely audible, like a sweet caress in the air. As she spoke, her delicate hand glided down to Nathaniel's tense, rigid body, her touch light and soothing. She kneaded his stiff muscles with the slightest pressure, and a shudder ran through him, almost making him want to exhale in relief.

"Honey, you've really learned, haven't you?" Nathaniel's voice was thick with a ...