Donovan’s POV

The corridor was quiet when I returned to my chamber. I’d spent the evening handling reports, drilling with my men, trying to silence the unrest in my own head. Yet as soon as I opened the door, the silence shattered.

My steps halted.

Stella lay sprawled across my bed, draped in sheer crimson lingerie that clung to her curves like a net designed to trap me. Her hair spilled across my pillow, lips painted blood-red, and eyes glittering with dangerous intent.

She smiled ...