Clare woke to the heat of Pedro's body pressed against hers. He was sleeping deeply, one arm draped over her waist, his face turned toward her neck, as if seeking shelter in her scent. She watched him for long minutes in silence.

He looked so... at peace. Strong and vulnerable at the same time. The dark lashes, the unkempt beard, his chest rising and falling gently. Clare could feel the weight of what they were building—and fear was beginning to seep through the cracks in her chest like a ...