Gabriel turned off the shower and wrapped Ava in a soft towel. She kept her eyes on his. He pulled her closer, drying every part of her body with care and tenderness, unhurried, as if he were touching a treasure.

“Come here, love…” he said softly, lifting her into his arms as if she weighed nothing.

He carried her to the bedroom and laid Ava on the bed with all the care in the world. Then he lay beside her, drawing her up against his bare chest. Her head rested exactly where his heart beat—stro