LYRA’S POV

Ryker and I went on for hours, stopping briefly to catch our breath. We rode as though driven by an unmistakable hunger and didn’t stop until I was exhausted. Only then did Ryker finally let me be.

I stayed nestled in his arms, too tired to stand up and move to my room. Gradually, I succumbed to sleep, but briefly heard Ryker, as he stroked my back, say these words.

“It’s not just sex for me, princess. I’m in love with you,” before darkness claimed me.

I finally ...