The grand chambers of Jake Raikarndel within the ancient stone walls of Raaya Villa were wrapped in the deep hush of midnight, the only illumination coming from a cluster of thick beeswax candles set in ornate iron holders and the pale silver spill of moonlight that poured through the tall, arched windows overlooking the terraced gardens.
The air was warm and heavy with the mingled scents of lavender from the freshly laundered linens, the faint smokiness of the burning wicks, and the unmistakable musk of two bodies that had already been moving together for some time.
Heavy velvet drapes in deep crimson and gold stirred faintly in the night breeze that carried the distant hills.
Upon the vast four-poster bed, its carved dragon posts rising like sentinels toward the silk canopy, Jake lay on his back with Rosa straddling his hips.
Her silver hair, loosened from its usual elegant braid, cascaded in wild, shimmering waves down her back and over her full, heavy breasts.
