Van placed her gently on the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. He reached for her feet, easily slipping off her slippers, and then leaned over her, his body lightly pressing down.

Her thick hair lay in soft waves, like a cloud resting against her neck. Van tilted his head and gently pushed aside a strand, admiring the delicate lines of her neck and earlobe, then brought his face closer, his nose lightly brushing against the back of her ear.

He hadn't slept well the previous ...