. . . Serene’s POV The bathroom was a quiet haven, its soft glow casting delicate shadows across the tiled floor. I was standing before the full-length mirror, my naked reflection staring back, vulnerable and unguarded. My hairs were falling over my shoulders and down on my waist like a waterfall. My skin prickled as memories of Nicholas flooded my mind—his warm mouth on me, his teasing tongue igniting sparks of pleasure I hadn’t wanted to feel. My cheeks burned crimson, a tremble running through me as the phantom heat of his touch lingered. How could I let him do that? I thought, my heart twisting with shame. I clenched my fists, scolding myself. You’re not his plaything, Serene. You won’t let him own you. My resolve hardened like steel. My heart ached painfully thinking that I

