I stirred awake, feeling the soft mattress beneath me and a heavy warmth beside me. My heart skipped when I turned my head and saw Lucien lying bare-chested next to me, his face calm in sleep.
My cheeks flamed as memories of the previous night flooded back. What did we do? I covered my face with my hands, the embarrassment washing over me. I had been in heat—there was no denying it—but now, in the light of day, everything felt so surreal.
We did it! We had s*x!
I slipped out of bed quietly, clutching the bedsheet around my body as I tiptoed across the room. My gown lay in shreds on the floor, a vivid reminder of the passion that had consumed us. I avoided looking at it as I approached the mirror.
Standing in front of the glass, I pulled my long hair aside, exposing my neck. My fingers
