Esme – POV
A rough hand slid along the small of my back, radiating warmth into my skin.
"Wake up, Ember," a deep voice murmured.
"Five more minutes," I mumbled, still half-asleep.
"Ember…"
Something soft and warm brushed against my skin. I forced my heavy eyelids open and was met by a pair of ocean-blue eyes.
"Liam," I rasped, my voice hoarse. I reached up and cupped his face. His hair was damp, and he looked fresh out of the shower.
"If you keep touching me like that," he said in a low voice, "I might have to keep you locked in here until this mate haze passes."
The intensity in his gaze made me swallow hard. Heat rolled through me like crashing waves.
I pulled away, but he drew me in again, pressing me against his bare chest.
"Liam, let me go. I'm already sore," I said softly.
His fingers lifted my chin, and when I looked up, his eyes were dancing with amusement.
