𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬: 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞|𝟏𝟖+

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫 - 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭#𝟒

(Smut at the end)

The early morning sun filtered through the windows of their cozy hut, casting a golden glow across the wooden walls. Inara sat before a small mirror, carefully braiding her long hair. Her fingers moved with ease, but her mind drifted elsewhere—back to the quiet moments she had shared with Marek.

She still couldn't believe how patient he was with her, how gentle. When they first married, she had expected cold indifference from him, a man hardened by war and duty. Instead, he had given her warmth.

Inara recalled the nights when nightmares would steal her peace, the ghosts of her past creeping into her sleep. Each time, she would wake in a panic, breathless and trembling. And each time, before she could even cry out, Marek would already be awake, wrapping his strong arms around her, pulling her close.

She smiled to herself, warmth spreading in her chest. She had never felt this way before—happy.

She also recalled the times when Marek would make her cum like 3 times in a row until he was satisfied that she was loving the pleasure. A red hue crept up her cheeks as she remembered how she would wrap her legs around his head while he would be eating her out like a hungry animal.

And yet, he hadn't ever used her for his pleasure. He would make sure she was properly taken care of before anything else.

It was more than amazing. Her whole life, she had thought sex was for men but he made her realize the actual truth.

The sound of the door creaking open snapped her from her thoughts. She turned just as Marek stepped inside, his tall frame filling the doorway. His dark eyes found her instantly, and for a moment, he simply watched her, his expression unreadable.

"Are you ready yet?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

Inara smiled, tying off the end of her braid. "Yes, I'm done."

Marek stepped closer, his gaze sweeping over her before settling on her face. His lips twitched slightly, the closest thing to a smile he ever gave in public. "You look very pretty."

Heat bloomed in her cheeks. She dropped her gaze, a small, shy smile playing on her lips. Thank you," she replied, feeling giddy.

Marek chuckled softly, a rare sound that made her heart flutter. He reached out, his large hands cupping her face gently, his calloused fingers warm against her skin.

When his lips met hers, it was slow, unhurried, as if he wanted to memorize the way she felt against him. His warmth surrounded her, steady and strong, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away.

Inara responded instinctively, her hands pressing lightly against his chest, feeling the slow, steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips. He kissed her deeply, yet there was no urgency—just an unspoken promise, a reassurance that he was here, with her, and he wasn't going anywhere.

His lips moved against hers with quiet intensity, coaxing rather than demanding. The contrast between his usual cold demeanor and the tenderness he showed her now made her chest tighten in a way she couldn't quite explain.

When he finally pulled away, it was slow and lingering, as if neither of them truly wanted to part. His forehead rested lightly against hers, his breath warm against her skin.

Inara's heart pounded, her lips tingling from the kiss, and she dared to look up at him through her lashes. Marek's expression was unreadable, but the way his thumb brushed over her cheek, the way his fingers lingered at the edge of her jaw, spoke more than words ever could.

He exhaled softly, a hint of amusement in his voice. "We're going to be late."

Her lips curled into a smile, still breathless from the moment. She laced her fingers through his, her voice soft.