The first rays of dawn painted the horizon in soft golds and pinks, chasing away the velvet darkness that had cloaked their night of passion. Elena stirred slowly, her body deliciously sore in all the right places. Sand still clung to her skin in faint patches, a reminder of how thoroughly Alex had claimed her against the beach only hours before. She was nestled against his broad chest, his arm draped possessively around her waist, their naked bodies tangled beneath a thin blanket he’d retrieved from his villa sometime in the night.
She tilted her head up, studying him in the quiet light. Even in sleep, Alex looked like sin incarnate—strong jaw relaxed, dark lashes fanning against tanned cheeks, lips slightly parted. The memory of those lips on her body sent a fresh wave of heat pooling b
