Keira stretched lazily, feeling the pleasant ache in her muscles from the previous night's activities. Beside her, the bed was empty. Alexei had left her with a kiss, explaining he had a brief meeting before they departed for their honeymoon that afternoon.

She got out of bed and walked across the carpet to the bathroom, catching sight of herself in the mirror, hair disheveled, lips swollen, a small mark blooming on her collarbone. "Keira, look at you," she whispered to her reflection. She ...