Every touch and glance was filled with a gentle restraint.

Beneath the soft glow of the room, she traced the contours of his face, eyes brimming with emotion. Then the world around them dissolving into the background.

For Mark, this night was a warm embrace.

As the first light of dawn peeked through, warmth spread across Mark's face.

He instinctively reached out for the familiar presence beside him, only to find emptiness.