Mara woke alone.
The first thing she registered was the unmistakable ache radiating from between her legs and settling low in her belly. Every muscle felt tender, overused, and stretched, like she'd run a marathon in her sleep.
The duvet was pulled up over her naked body, tucked carefully around her shoulders.
She turned her head on the pillow, wincing slightly as her neck pulled. The space beside her was empty. The sheets were cool to the touch, with no lingering warmth or indent to suggest anyone had been there recently.
Nico was gone.
Almost like he'd never been there at all.
Except the soreness between her legs said otherwise. And the faint masculine scent still clinging to the pillow next to hers: his cologne mixed with sweat and something uniquely him. And the way the duvet had been arranged with such careful attention, covering her completely when she'd fallen asleep sprawled and exposed.
He must have covered her before he left.
