“Take me.”
 
 In the next second, he shoved her thighs up and apart, then notched his cock in place. He surged home.
 
 She loved him right here, filling her, connecting them. Here, they didn’t need words to communicate. Here, he was in every part of her.
 
 With hard, brutal thrusts he took her. Her cries echoed off the walls. She canted her hips forward to meet him, tightening her thighs on his body.
 
 She whispered his name, frantic arousal twisting inside her.
 
 Then her climax hit. Her back arched, heat scalding her. She gripped his arms, her nails biting into his biceps. She moaned his name this time.
 
 He thrust inside her, again and again, then stayed there, planted deep.
 
 “Made for me,” he gritted out. “I can feel your pussy clutching me, milking me. It wipes everything clean.”
 
 His words turned to a low snarl. He let himself go and poured himself inside her. Then he slumped against her, slapping a palm to the table to keep his weight off her.
 
 Both of them were panting.
 
 She pressed her face to his sweat-slick shoulder and felt their connection. Lazily, she noted the sunlight filtering in through the window, the dust motes hanging in the air, and the heavy thud of his heart.
 
 But the passion and closeness faded. She felt him withdrawing from her, even though he was still inside her.
 
 “Vander…”
 
 He pulled back. “Did I hurt you?” His voice held an edge.
 
 “No. Of course not.” He pulled free, and she quickly pulled the robe closed over her torn nightgown.
 
 His face was like stone, unreadable, as he tucked himself away.
 
 “Anyone home?” Rhys’ voice rang out from the living room. “Vander, are you ready to go?”
 
 Vander zipped up his trousers. “I need to go. We’re due to meet Justin.”
 
 A small flood of discomfort grew inside her chest. She didn’t want to leave it like this.
 
 But he clearly needed space.
 
 Maybe that would help? Instead of pushing, she’d give him some time and space. She needed to be understanding of whatever he was feeling.
 
 Brynn slid off the table and moved to him. “I’ll see you when you get back.” She went up on her toes, and one of his hands clamped on her hip. She pressed a brief kiss to his lips. “I love you, Vander.”
 
 With a nod, he pulled away. “I know.” Then he was gone.
 
 She blinked. Her husband had just Han Soloed her.
 
 She tipped her head back and stared blindly at the ceiling.Patience. She needed patience and understanding.
 
 They’d come here to Italy for space and relaxation.
 
 She straightened her spine. She’d won the heart of this magnificent man, her battle-scarred warrior. They’d get through whatever this was and come out the other side stronger.
 
 Vander Norcross washers. Every complicated inch of him. The light and the dark. Hers inside and out. She wouldn’t let him forget that.
 
 “You okay?”
 
 From the driver’s seat, Vander glanced at Rhys. “I’m fine.”