Taking slow, tentative steps, we undress completely, piece by piece, until we reach the edge of the bed. He lays me down with such tenderness, as if I were something precious, and instinctively, I cross my arms over my chest—suddenly shy to be naked before him. I watch him turn away for a few seconds, only to return and look at me with such raw desire that my breath catches in anticipation of what’s to come.

“You’re absolutely stunning,” he murmurs, taking one of my feet in his hands ...