Liam pulled me into his arms immediately after Ryder withdrew, cradling me against his broad chest as we both caught our breath. The contrast was immediate and welcome. Where Ryder had been commanding and intense, Liam’s touch was gentler, almost worshipful. He held me like I was something precious, his strong arms wrapping around me protectively. His heartbeat thundered steadily beneath my cheek, grounding me in the midst of the overwhelming sensations still rippling through my body.
He kissed every inch of skin he could reach—soft presses of his lips to my shoulders, lingering on my collarbones, then finding the sensitive spot beneath my ear that always made me shiver. Each kiss was reverent, full of quiet emotion. The others didn’t pull away. Gentle hands continued stroking my hair, my
