Chapter 36 Under The Sicilian Heat

• The first rays of sunlight spilled into the room, casting a golden glow across the disheveled sheets. Sofia stirred, her body heavy with the lingering haze of exhaustion and… something else.
• Her eyes fluttered open, and the events of the night before crashed into her like a tidal wave. Her cheeks burned as she shifted slightly, the sensation of the silk sheets against her skin a stark reminder of her vulnerability.
• Turning her head, her breath hitched when she found Marco sitting at the edge of the bed. He was already dressed, his crisp white shirt unbuttoned at the top, sleeves rolled up to reveal his forearms. A cup of coffee rested in his hand, the faint aroma filling the room, but his dark eyes were fixed on her, unreadable and piercing.