Chloe’s hands trembled as she lifted her fork again, her body still humming, betraying her with aftershocks of the climax she’d barely contained. Every muscle screamed for stillness, composure, dignity but inside she was in chaos.

She dared not meet Valerius’s eyes. The memory of his calm command, the merciless precision of his touch under the table, still burned through her. She forced herself to spear a piece of food, chew, and swallow. Act normal. Just act normal.

But Valerius ...