The air was thick with the scent of their passion, a heady mix of sweat and desire that clung to their skin like a second layer.

Valerius's hands, still gripping Chloe's hips,

were gentle now, his touch almost reverent as he trailed his fingers along her sides, feeling the curve of her waist, the swell of her breasts.

Chloe's breath came in soft, shuddering gasps, her body still trembling with the aftershocks of her climax. She could feel Valerius's heart beating against her chest, steady ...