Chapter 16

I woke up around noon to find Ryder no longer beside me. Had it all been just a dream? I touched my own body, feeling the remnants of our encounter with Ryder before I had passed out. It wasn't a dream; the crumpled sheets confirmed it.

My face flushed as I recalled what had happened between Ryder and me. I couldn't deny the possibility that I might be fertile. Did Ryder want that too, or was I just a temptation he couldn't resist?

"Argh! How do I face him now?" I muttered to myself, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and uncertainty.

Getting up, I stretched my body and made my way to the large mirror to assess the aftermath of the night. My excitement turned to shock as I saw the numerous red marks covering my body—on my neck, chest, abdomen, and the area between my thighs. How had I not noticed Ryder leaving those marks? Or had I simply allowed him to do so?

If only Ryder hadn't been so thorough in his lovemaking!

I knew I needed to apply a hot com