Chapter 19

Amelia blinked awake slowly, her body warm and heavy with sleep. For a moment, she simply lay there, letting her mind drift between dreams and wakefulness.

Then she became aware of a sensation… warm hands cupping her breasts through the thin silk of her nightgown. Niko. His touch was gentle, almost reverent, as his thumbs traced lazy circles around her nipples.

She kept her eyes closed, savoring the feeling. This wasn't about making a baby. After the stress and fear of Alexei's kidnapping, this was something else entirely… the first time he had touched her not because it was the right time.

"I know you're awake," Niko murmured, his voice husky, rich with sleep and desire. His lips brushed against her neck as he spoke, sending a delicious shiver down her spine.

Amelia smiled, still not opening her eyes. "Mmm… am I?"

His low chuckle vibrated against her skin as he pressed closer, the solid warmth of his bare chest against her back. One hand slid down her stomach