The order was sharp, brooking no argument. Chloe’s fingers trembled as she reached for the laces of her night gown, her movements clumsy with nerves. The fabric whispered as it loosened, sliding down her shoulders in a slow, sensual surrender. She let it pool at her feet, stepping out of it with deliberate slowness, her bare skin prickling under the weight of his stare.

Valerius watched her, his expression unreadable, but his fists clenched at his sides, the only betrayal of the restraint ...