Antonia’s eyes fluttered open, her body still warm and heavy from the night before. Her bare back rested against his chest. His arm rested possessively around her waist, holding her close, as though even in sleep, he didn’t want to let her go. The faint scent of cologne and the lingering warmth of their naked bodies told the story of passion that had unfolded just hours earlier.
His breath was soft and steady against her neck, and for a moment, she simply lay there, relishing the quiet intimacy of the moment.
Antonia turned her head slightly, careful not to wake him, and let her gaze linger on his face. His features were relaxed, almost boyish in his sleep, and it made her smile. For all his intensity the night before, he looked peaceful now, as though the weight of the world had been l
