Althea blinked as warmth spread across her skin. Her breath hitched when she realized it wasn’t just the morning light, it was Gavriel. His lips trailed from her shoulder to the curve of her neck, each kiss slow and deliberate.

“Gavriel,” she whispered, her voice barely steady.

He paused and lifted his head, meeting her gaze. His expression softened, eyes filled with quiet tenderness she rarely saw.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “Did I wake you?”

Her heart pounded faster. He ...