Ava’s fingers trembled she could barely catch the zipper tab at her back. She dragged it down slowly, the fabric loosening until the dress slipped over her hips and pooled softly around her bare feet. She stood still, only in black lace. The marble floor was freezing beneath her heels, sending shivers up her legs.
Nico’s gaze moved over her, dragging from her bare shoulders down to her ankles. His breathing deepened, slowed. He hated how easily she caught his eye.
“Get on the bed,” he said, his voice low and rough. “On your knees.”
Ava stepped out of the pile of fabric and climbed onto the mattress. The sheets were cool against her legs as she knelt, her eyes fixed firmly on the ceiling above while he began to undress.
Nico moved without hurry. He stripped off his shirt, unbuckled his
