Chloe wriggled out of her dress and underwear while Declan continued to undress. When he stood before her, naked, she took in her first full breath all day. This. This was what she needed. He rested one knee on the bed and reached for her bedside where he had placed a condom packet. She reached over and stilled his hand.

“Not today,” she said softly. “I need to feel all of you today.”

He frowned down at her and she could tell he was conflicted. He wanted her without ...