The metal slider of the zipper hissed in the silence of the room, a long, tearing sound that seemed to echo off the walls.
Damien's hands were rough against the liquid silver fabric, his knuckles grazing Aria's spine as he peeled the dress down. It pooled at her waist, a shimmering puddle of mercury, leaving her upper body exposed to the cool, conditioned air of the penthouse.
She shivered.
"Cold?" Damien murmured, his breath warm against the sensitive cord of her neck.
He didn't wait for an answer. He leaned in, his mouth replacing the cool air with wet, searing heat. He kissed the hollow of her throat, his tongue tracing the erratic pulse jumping beneath her skin. His hands slid up her ribcage, calloused palms rasping against the soft curve of her breasts.
Aria's head fell back against the leather cushions, her eyes fluttering shut. Her hands found purchase in his silver hair, gripping tight enough to pull.
"A very important medical necessity," he breathed against her skin.
