Mary Ann’s POV
I woke with my cheek pressed against Modric’s chest.
For several soft, confused seconds, I did not remember how I had gotten there.
Warmth surrounded me. One of his arms rested loosely near my back without holding me down. His breathing moved beneath my ear, slow and steady, while morning light filtered through the curtains of my bedroom.
Then memory returned all at once.
The kisses.
His hands asking permission before every new touch.
My dress falling.
The mirror covered.
The wedding-night memory crashing through the mate bond.
My tears.
His promise to stop.
His body lying fully clothed beside mine because I had asked him to stay.
Panic struck before reason could catch it.
I sat up too quickly.
The room tilted.
Modric woke immediately.
His eyes opened, and h
