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They both had new scars, his more apparent than hers. A three-inch jagged scar on the right side of his face, and another, larger one, on his chest. Two fingers on his left hand were still slightly crooked from being broken, and the road map of scars on his right leg told the story of the agony and horror he had endured. But to her, he was the most beautiful sight in the universe. This man was her husband, her lover, and her hero.

All the while her eyes had been eating him up, Sean had been giving her the same look. Even beneath the warmth of the water, she felt shivers run down her spine. He was looking at her as if he were a starving man and she were a feast for him to devour. Serena had never been embarrassed by her body. She was thankful to be healthy and have a body that did what she asked of it. No matter how hard she worked out or how much weight she lost, she always had a slight stomach that would never go away, and her breasts were a little smaller than she’d like. But the heat and hunger in her husband’s eyes made her feel like the sexiest, most desirable woman in the world.

Holding out her hand to him, she said, “I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for you.”

Sean took her hand and pulled her close, and they groaned in unison at the feel of their naked bodies touching each other. His hardness against her softness melded together like puzzle pieces that could fit nowhere else.

“I’ll never make you wait again,” Sean said gruffly. “I promise.”

Pulling away from her slightly, he looked into her eyes and said, “I love you, Serena. You are my everything.”

With that, he proceeded to show her exactly how much he adored her. His mouth, both tender and passionate, roamed over her body as if he were dying of thirst and she were his only sustenance.

Gasping in pleasure, Serena threaded her fingers through Sean’s hair, pressing him closer. She had missed this so much. The passion, the beauty. The knowledge that this man, her husband, loved and desired her as much as she did him.

Surprising her, he scooped her into his arms. Turning off the water, he walked out of the shower.

“Where are you going?” Serena asked breathlessly.

“To bed.”

She sputtered out a half laugh, half gasp. “But we’re soaked.”

“Not for long. I’ll lick you dry,” he said gruffly.

That’s exactly what he did. By the time she was dry, she was also writhing in need. When he at last entered her, she welcomed him into her body with all the love and adoration she’d always had for this man. Her husband, her soul mate.

Her life.

Muted sunlight glowed through the sheer window curtains, highlighting the dark gold strands draped across his shoulder and the face of the beautiful, serene woman lying against his chest. How could he have forgotten how wonderful it felt to wake up with her in his arms? She was his everything—and had been since the moment he’d met her. And he’d almost lost her because of his stupidity and pride. What a fool he’d been.

Last night had been all he could have wanted and so much more. She had responded to him in the ways she always had, giving herself totally to him and the passion they created together. How he had missed that…missed her.

“You know,” came a sleepy, sweet voice, “studies have shown that staring at a person too long can cause retinopathy.”

He chuckled. “You just made that up.”

She peeked up at him and smiled sleepily. “Maybe.”

“I was just wondering how someone who was ravished only a few hours ago can still look like an innocent angel.”

The smile grew wider. “Ravished three times and enjoyed every single second.”

“Me, too,” he said gruffly. “I’ve missed you.”

She pressed a kiss to his chest. “I missed you, too.”

“Never again,” he promised.

“Never again,” she agreed.

“I want to marry you.” He inwardly winced at the blunt proposal. Actually, not even a proposal—more like a demand. Even knowing she loved him and still wanted to be with him, he held his breath, waiting for her answer.

She huffed out a small, gasping laugh. “We’re already married. You never filed the divorce papers.”

“No, but I still want to marry you…or at least renew our vows. Would that be okay with you?” There, that was a question. Gentler, kinder, less desperate-sounding.

An expression like a glorious sunrise appeared on her face. “I would love that. When would you want to do it?”