I wake up, my hands ache, a silent reminder of the events of the previous night. Nickolas has removed the blindfold, but my hands remain bound to the headboard above me. I turn my head to the other side of the bed, searching for any sign of him, but it's empty.

A pang of emptiness washes over me, though I can't say I'm entirely surprised. I knew deep down that waking up to an empty bed was inevitable after last night. Part of me longs for his presence, even as I remind myself that his touch ...