After that intimate night,

when morning came, Sigourney's throat was hoarse,

her body weary, drained of all strength,

so much so that even lifting a hand felt unbearably difficult.

When she awoke, Theodore was lying beside her, gazing at her with rapt attention.

"You're awake? Do you feel any discomfort anywhere?"

Theodore lightly pinched her cheek, his voice gentle. His eyes shone with obvious satisfaction and delight, which, for some reason, only made Sigourney feel slightly annoyed.

She ...