The aftermath of our private war left us tangled, spent, and profoundly connected. The lingering scent of s*x and sweat mingled with the dawn’s clean air filtering through the slightly ajar window. Rafe, his chest still rising and falling with heavy breaths, held me close, his lips occasionally brushing my hair, his thumb tracing the new mark on my neck with a possessive gentleness.
“We should… probably get dressed,” I murmured against his skin, the reality of facing the compound, facing everyone, slowly seeping in.
He groaned, a low rumble in his chest. “Already? Can’t we just stay like this for a while longer?” His grip tightened, as if he was afraid I’d vanish if he let go.
“The brothers will be wondering where their VP went,” I teased, though the thought of facing them, especially L
