The rain had finally tapered off into a rhythmic drip from the eaves, but inside the small room, the heat was still rising. Shivom sat back on the bed, his broad, sweat-slicked chest heaving as he looked down at Payal. She was completely bare now, her pale skin glowing like polished ivory against the dark, coarse sheets of their 1930s home.

Shivom reached out, his large, calloused hand wrapping around her ankle and pulling her toward him until she was sprawled between his thick thighs. He didn't rush; he wanted to savor the sight of her.