Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, rousing you from sleep. You blinked against the brightness, momentarily disoriented by the sheer size and opulence of the room. Everything was pristine, modern, and impossibly expensive. It took a moment for the memories to settle—the deep timbre of Alex Vitale’s voice, his confident smile, and the way he commanded every room he entered.

The bed felt too big now, empty without him. You sat up, clutching the sheet to your chest, and scanned the room. On the nightstand, a handwritten note caught your eye, resting beside a sleek black box.

“Good morning. I had to step out for a meeting, but you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. —Alex.”

Your lips curled into a faint smile as you picked up the box. Inside was a delicate gold bracelet, understated but undeniably luxurious. It sparkled in the sunlight, and you traced the charm with your thumb before setting it back down.

The faint scent of his cologne still lingered in the air—sandalwood and leather mixed with something uniquely him. It wrapped around you like a memory you couldn’t quite shake. Swinging your legs off the bed, your feet sank into the plush carpet as you made your way toward the en-suite bathroom.

The space was as grand as the bedroom—marble countertops, a sprawling vanity, and a shower that looked like it belonged in a spa. You turned the handle, the rainfall showerhead springing to life with a gentle hum. Steam filled the air as you slipped off the robe you’d borrowed from the closet.

Under the cascade of hot water, you tilted your head back and let it wash over you, the heat easing the tension in your muscles. You closed your eyes, the events of the night replaying in fragments: his deep laugh, the way his touch lingered just a second too long, the undeniable pull of his presence.

For now, you were alone, but the memory of Alex Vitale stayed with you, etched into the quiet luxury of this penthouse and the warm water cascading down your skin.