The soft glow of the pool house lights had dimmed automatically as the night deepened. Elena stirred first, her body protesting the cool air now that the heat of passion had faded. Marcus’s arm was still draped heavily across her waist, his breathing deep and even. c*m had dried in sticky trails on her inner thighs, and the sheets beneath them were ruined. She shifted carefully, but he woke instantly, pulling her back against his chest with a possessive murmur. “Stay,” he said, voice husky with sleep and leftover desire. He reached for a stack of clean towels on a nearby shelf, grabbing one and gently wiping her down. His touch was meticulous—slow strokes along her thighs, between her folds, careful not to miss any trace. The towel was warm from the heated pool area. Elena sighed, relaxin

