The door closed with the softest click, a sound so faint it barely disturbed the hush of the room.
Devon paused there, just inside the threshold, his silhouette framed by the dim hall light before he eased the door fully shut.
He took a slow, deep breath, letting the cool night air fill his lungs, mixed with the subtle warmth of the sleeping bodies ahead.
The room was large, with high ceilings and heavy furniture that loomed in the shadows, but his focus narrowed immediately to the bed.
Devon stood motionless for a long, savoring moment, letting his eyes adjust to the dimness, scanning every detail with the patience of a man who knew exactly what he wanted and how to take it.
The heavy curtains were half-drawn, their thick fabric hanging like silent guardians, allowing a wide blade of moonlight to cut across the bed like a spotlight from the heavens.
It caught on the crumpled silk of Eleanor's nightgown.
