Chapter 3

He sat at his desk, dressed in black silk pajamas with the collar slightly open, revealing a distinct collarbone. Gone was the frigidity of daytime, replaced by an air of languid, ascetic allure.

He turned to look at me, the light casting shadows across his face. His blue eyes were deep, still carrying the fatigue from work, but the moment he saw me, they softened instantly.

That kind of softness was the quiet warmth beneath restraint.

"Can't sleep?" he asked.

I shook my head.

He patted the spot beside him. "Come sit."

I took a seat, keeping the polite, reserved…