Althea stirred faintly, her brows knitting as a strange wet warmth brushed against her neck. A low hum escaped her lips before she realized it wasn’t a dream. Someone was licking her skin.

Her eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep, the morning light spilling faintly through the curtains. The air was quiet except for the soft sound of breathing beside her.

She turned slightly and froze.

Gavriel’s face was close, too close. His mouth hovered at the curve of her shoulder, his tongue ...