The next morning.
Soft morning light streamed through the enormous glazed windows, spilling across the rumpled, luxurious bed.
Violet slowly woke, her entire body aching as if it had fallen apart, reminding her that everything that had happened last night was no dream.
She looked at the Kong beside her and the glaring, vivid crimson stain on the sheets. Her expression turned complicated for a moment before being replaced by a resigned calm.
She struggled into a sitting position, the silk blanket slipping down to reveal her delicate body covered in suggestive marks. Enduring her discomfort, she helped Adams straighten his clothes.
Adams said nothing, merely raising his arms cooperatively and allowing her to dress him. Once he was properly clothed, he lifted a hand and lightly patted the back of Violet's slightly trembling hand, exhausted from overexertion. The gesture was not particularly gentle, but it carried a rare hint of softness.
"Get some proper rest first. I have things to do. I'll come back to see you later."
Violet gave a soft "Mm," her voice weak. After finishing the last adjustment, she nearly staggered back half a step in exhaustion. Her legs gave out, and she almost collapsed to the floor, but she forced herself to reach the bed and lie down on the still-rumpled sheets, burying half her face in the soft pillow as though trying to hide all her shyness and fatigue.
Adams glanced at her, bent down, and planted a light kiss on her smooth forehead.
Then he turned and strode away without hesitation. The heavy bedroom door quietly closed behind him, separating two different worlds.
Violet stared dazedly at the ceiling, feeling the lingering coolness on her forehead and the persistent soreness throughout her body. Her heart was filled with conflicting emotions.
After leaving the