Brian propped his head on his arm, eyes narrowing with a teasing glint as he said slowly, “Honey, I cradled you through the night.”

Rosalynn's thoughts scrambled for clarity.

“And who granted you the right to embrace me all night?" she countered.

Raising an eyebrow, Brian retorted, “You're my wife. Do I need permission from anyone else to hold you?"

Rosalynn's mind stalled.

"I didn't consent to that."

But Brian just smiled, a knowing look in his eyes.

“Yet, your body betrayed your words," he claimed.

Rosalynn pondered his words.

Had she unwittingly sought him out in her sleep?

Glancing down, she noted her pajamas intact, her body bereft of any unfamiliar sensations.

It seemed nothing had occurred between them.

Brian leaned in, whispering, "AlL through the night, you clung to me, your gestures hinting at desires unspoken. Didn't you once say intimacy stems from love? So, you must love me, right?"

Rosalynn was rendered speechless.

Then, with a swift move, Brian was atop her, his gaze fixed on her loveliness. His fingers traced her skin, whispering, “Our marriage has been a fusion of soul and physicality, hasn't it?"

His words echoed her query from the day before. She had asked him whether they aligned more on an emotional or physical level.

Coming to her senses, yet still caught in his morning flirtations, Rosalynn knew his antics were intentional. Despite this, she felt cornered, unable to retreat from his advances.

Gail had been correct. Brian's eloquence had only grown.

As she remained silent, not resisting his embrace, Brian's smile widened.

He tenderly lifted her chin, his face inching closer to hers.