36. Embracing Desire

They rested entwined after their lovemaking, basking in peace and warmth, savoring their close bond with slow breaths, as they fell into a peaceful sleep and woke in the evening, Efrain pressed his lips against hers for a kiss. When he withdrew, Marissa's eyes were soft and half-closed, filled with affection.

She rested her head against his bare chest, sighing with contentment, relishing the coziness of their closeness.

"Why don't you go home, it's already late," Efrain suggested.

Marissa looked up, her dark eyes shimmering with a glimmer of sadness, like moonlit pools. "I want to stay the night with you, Efrain. We don't need to do anything else. I just want to feel your arms around me."

Efrain kissed Marissa's forehead, enveloping her in his comforting hold. "Sure. So, when was the last time you made love?" he asked softly.

Marissa chose not to disclose the identity of the man who had broken her heart, knowing that revealing the truth about Juan Valiente, Efrain's close friend and t