บท 22: Whispers of the Moonlit Night

"I swear."

"…Rav…ven."

Her delicate, crimson lips barely parted as she murmured his name, the quiet night amplifying the tenderness in her voice. Raven's mouth curled into a warm, satisfied smile.

"Yes, that's what you'll call me from now on. No more 'Duke'."

"Okay."

Seraphina's murmuring softened as sleep overtook her, her eyelids fluttering shut.

"Are you sleepy?"

"Yes..."

Raven's body still ached with desire, but he restrained himself, his hand lingering on her skin. The scent of her and the memory of their intimacy tormented him.

"Hmm… I want to do more."

He pressed his lips to hers with an urgent need. As she opened her mouth to breathe, her violet eyes flickered open.

"I'm really sleepy…"

Her body was sore, and another round would likely cause her more pain. Raven sighed, accepting her refusal.

"Okay, I won't push. Just let me touch you."

"I'm sleepy..."