Gavriel frowned, torn between pulling away and staying to give Althea the warmth she sought.

“Please,” she mumbled in her sleep, tugging him closer. Unable to resist, he joined her on the bed, wrapping her gently in his arms.

She pressed her face against his bare chest, murmuring softly, “So warm… I like it.”

Her steady, heavy breathing filled the space.

Gavriel exhaled slowly, a mix of exasperation and disbelief in his voice. He couldn’t believe he was doing this but he had to ...