They stayed like that for a long time—wrapped in each other, the city lights casting shadows across the bedroom floor. Malachi's hand traced slow patterns on her back, grounding her, reminding her she was safe.
But Salome was hyperaware of everything else too.
The heat of his body against hers. The way his chest rose and fell beneath her cheek. The strength in his arms, the controlled power in every movement. She'd been pressed against him for hours now, and her body was responding in ways she hadn't expected.
Ways she hadn't felt in so long.
She shifted slightly, and Malachi's hand stilled on her back.
"You okay?" His voice was low, careful.
"Yeah." She lifted her head to look at him. "I just... I don't want to think anymore."
His eyes searched hers, understanding flickering in the
