Aveline
I woke slowly, the silky sheets twisted around my legs like vines. My head ached. My heart ached more.
For a moment, I forgot where I was—until I inhaled.
Matteo.
His scent was everywhere—masculine, earthy, sharp with spice and something darker. It was embedded in the bed, in my hair, on my skin. I hated how good it smelled. Like warmth wrapped in leather and smoke. Like temptation.
I buried my face in the pillow, instinctively breathing him in again.
What was wrong with me?
“You always sniff things that don’t belong to you?”
My head shot up.
Matteo stood by the doorway, arms crossed, tattoos peeking from beneath the rolled sleeves of his black shirt. His eyes held a spark of mockery.
I bolted upright, startled—only to realize I was still naked.
A curse slipped from my l
