The door creaked open and Chloe's breath hitched as Valerius stepped inside. He was shirtless now, his muscular chest on full display, the candlelight casting shadows over the defined planes of his body. His trousers were still on, but the outline of his manhood was unmistakable, straining against the fabric.

His eyes raked over her, slow and deliberate, tracing every inch of exposed skin and every quiet line of surrender in her posture.

“You’ve been patient,” he said, soft and gentle, ...