True to his word, the next morning Venus awoke to a special treat: Malcolm was still in bed with her.
Burrowing into his warmth, she nuzzled his neck before saying, “this is the best feeling in the world.” Hugging him tightly, she added, “here in your arms is my happy place… I feel so safe… so protected… so cherished when I’m with you. Good morning Mr Powers.”
“Good morning, Miss Lawrence.”
“I wish we could stay like this forever.”
‘Unfortunately, that won’t be possible.”
He followed his statement with a slight wince and a sigh.
“What’s the matter?” she asked, lifting her head to look at his face. Malcolm’s grim expression caused her early morning euphoria to dissipate.
Malcolm stared at Venus, hating what he was about to do. It was for her safety, but he hated having to deceive he
