Lucas carried her up the sweeping spiral staircase, her weight next to nothing against his chest. The familiar scent of her shampoo… something floral and clean, drifted up to him as he climbed. He pushed open the double doors of his master bedroom with his shoulder, stepping into the quiet, sun-drenched space where dust motes danced in the afternoon light.
He crossed to the massive king-sized bed and carefully lowered her onto the silk sheets. The moment her head touched the plush pillows, Nina let out a soft, contented sigh that made something in his chest tighten.
She instinctively curled her body inward, pulling her knees slightly toward her chest as she settled into the luxurious mattress, finding the perfect position with the unconscious ease of someone finally safe enough to rest.
