The loft was quiet except for the rhythmic sound of rain tapping gently against the window. The scent of lingering candle wax and the musk of their bodies still clung to the air, mingling with the faint traces of Malik’s cologne. Aaliyah lay sprawled across the dark sheets, her wrists still bound, the silk blindfold resting loosely around her neck now. Her skin was damp, oversensitized, still trembling