The door swung open and Linnea flew into Damien's arms like a bird coming home to roost.

A middle-aged man's hunger, long banked, ignited all at once — the way an old house catches fire and burns beyond saving. It took several rounds before the smoldering frustration in his chest finally went quiet.

Linnea lay draped across him afterward, warm and still, before her bare feet found the floor and carried her to the bathroom. Steam curled through the air as she ...