Chapter 23 Lingering Heat

• The soft light of dawn filtered through the heavy curtains, painting the room in muted gold and gray. Sofia stirred, the warmth of the sheets tangled around her legs a fragile comfort. But as her senses sharpened, a weight—a presence—settled over her, and her eyes fluttered open.
• Marco was sitting at her bedside, his broad shoulders hunched slightly as he leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. His dark eyes watched her with an intensity that made her breath catch. He wasn’t just looking at her; he was studying her, as if she were a puzzle only he could solve.
• Her voice came out hoarse, still heavy with sleep. “Marco… what are you doing here?”