The first rays of dawn crept through the heavy drapes, painting stripes of light across the opulent study. Dust motes danced in the air, illuminated like tiny, wayward stars. The silence was broken only by the soft, rhythmic breathing of two figures entwined amidst the rumpled cushions and discarded clothes.

Rani lay sprawled on her stomach, her body a canvas of soft curves and honeyed skin, utterly naked, utterly vulnerable. Her dark hair fanned out across the plush velvet, her lips slightly parted, a faint smile playing on her features.