The penthouse was silent, the city lights casting long shadows across the marble floor. Ava stood in the center of the living room, her fingers trembling as she unzipped her wedding dress. The fabric pooled at her feet, a whisper of silk against her skin. She was left in her slip, the cool air raising goosebumps along her arms.
She could feel Liam’s presence before she saw him. The air seemed to hum with his energy, a low, electric current that set her nerves on edge. She turned as he stepped into the room, his tie loose, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar. His gray eyes were dark, unreadable, his gaze tracing her body like a touch.
“You’re still awake,” he said, his voice low.
Ava crossed her arms, her fingers digging into her elbows. “I couldn’t sleep.”
Liam stepped closer, close eno
