I didn’t even realize when the evening turned into night. All I knew was that I never wanted to leave this warmth. Alexander and I were under the duvet, tangled limbs and tangled hearts. His body curled around mine, his arms locked securely around my waist like he couldn’t bear to let go. And honestly, neither could I. 

His bare chest was pressed to my back, and I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Alexander pulled me closer, his lips brushing the top of my shoulder before ...