Early morning.
Ethan Sterling is taking a shower in the bathroom. His hands are pressed against the wall, and his muscular contours are quite stunning. The water from the shower flows over his chiseled face.
There isn't a hint of mist in the bathroom, and the water is ice-cold. Only after a long while does Ethan stop the water and pick up his robe to put it on.
In the bedroom, Seraphina Redgrave is leaning against the headboard reading a book, the light a soft yellow, with each page tinged with warmth.
Suddenly, a silhouette blocks all the light.
A moment later, Seraphina is forced to raise her chin. She looks up to see Ethan bracing himself on the headboard behind her, his head lowered as he looks at her, water droplets falling from his wet hair and trailing down her face like teardrops.
The fiery temperature from his body has vanished; those amber eyes seem to peer into her soul.
