The mountain air bit at Luca's skin the moment he stepped onto the secluded terrace of the Northwood Lodge, but the chill was a relief compared to the suffocating "vibrancy" of Holino's presence. He moved like a shadow through the frost-dusted pines, guided by the distant, rhythmic sloshing of water.
He found it—an infinity pool carved directly into the cliffside, its surface steaming as the heated water met the freezing alpine air. It was a ghost town; the other interns were busy unpacking, and the staff were prepping the grand hall.
Luca stood at the edge of the turquoise water. With a slow, deliberate grace, he unbuttoned Malcolm's heavy wool coat. He let it fall to the stone tiles in a dark heap, followed by the tight knit top and the jersey shorts. He stood there for a moment in nothing but his white silk underwear, his pale skin glowing like moonlight against the dark backdrop of the forest.
