DAVE
Fire and Rain
Consciousness returns in layers—warmth first, then scent, then the solid reality of Kat pressed against me like she belongs there. Morning light filters through expensive curtains, painting her skin in shades of gold that make my mouth water. Her hair spreads across my chest in dark silk waves, and every breath she takes sends sensation straight through my nervous system.
The poison's finally gone. I can feel its absence like missing weight, leaving just me and the Moon Mother's blessing humming under my skin. More importantly, leaving me clear-headed enough to fully appreciate the woman using me as a pillow.
"Morning," she murmurs against my chest, voice rough with sleep.
"Morning, Empress."
She stretches like a cat, every movement pressing curves against me in wa
