They lay in the stillness of the night, tangled in each other’s warmth, their breath slowing in sync. Damian held her tightly, his arms wrapped around her like a shield, his chest rising and falling beneath her cheek.Ella rested against him, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the contours of his skin, her soul humming with contentment. She could feel the bond pulsing between them—deep, unbreakable, alive with love. She was his... and he was hers.

Damian’s hand slid gently through her ...