The Years That Walk Away

Summary

Five years into their marriage of convenience, Julian Thorne and Elara Vance remained strangers. Even their intimacies were polite. Julian would kiss Elara’s collarbone, "I'm beginning." He'd undress her, "Is this alright?" And when he entered her, he'd hoarsely whisper, "Tell me if you're uncomfortable."

After three hours, Elara gasped, "I can't take any more. Can we stop?" Julian froze, apologizing, then pulled away. "I'm going to shower," Elara said, heading to the bathroom. Julian, trembling slightly, dressed, hiding his kiss marks.