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—strong, steady… for her.

He ran his fingers through her still-damp hair in a slow, silent caress.

“Do you still doubt everything I told you?” he murmured, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.

Ava sighed, eyes closed, letting herself relax there. For the first time, she felt peace.

“I don’t doubt it… I’m just afraid. Because I wouldn’t know how to survive if you ever hurt me, Gabriel.”

He held her chin, lifting her face so she would look at him.

“I will never hurt you, Ava. Never. You can write