“Please allow the barriers to break between us,” Jacques whispered, immersing Aeliana at last in a warm embrace that flooded her senses immediately. She could feel her body caving into the delightful scent of peppermint and darkened lavender, cascading all around her. It was practically like music to her ears, the vibe of the aura that he gave.

“I’m sorry, my sweet.” Jacques relentlessly turned toward Aeliana, doing his best to erase the pure terror from her ...