Prologue

Maxim opened his eyes a few minutes before the alarm — his body had long ago learned to wake up on its own, without the jarring sound. Soft morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, bathing the room in warm, almost pastel tones.

He lay still, gazing at Kate. She slept on her side, knees drawn up, her hair splayed across the pillow and brushing her bare shoulder. Her breathing was even, calm. Once upon a time, this sight had instantly aroused him — now it stirred only a familiar tenderness, muted like an old melody you listen to out of habit. Their relationship had grown blander with each passing day, routine: the typical couple long accustomed to each other, where the fire had long since turned to glowing embers. Sex happened on schedule, conversations revolved around chores, plans were for the weekend. Nothing wrong, just ... nothing special.

He carefully pushed the blanket aside and stood up. The cool air brushed his skin, making the muscles of his abs and chest tense for a moment. His body was defined but not overbuilt — powerful, honed by years of consistent training. In the corner of the room stood a multi-station gym: barbell, dumbbells, pull-up bar — a silent witness to his daily morning or evening sessions.

Between his legs hung his cock — heavy, confident, impressively thick and long even at rest, like a natural extension of this sculpted form. He walked to the kitchen, poured a glass of ice-cold water, and took several swallows — the chill spread inside, sharpening his senses. Then the bathroom and shower: hot streams lashed against his shoulders, back, thighs. He stood under them with eyes closed, letting the water wash away the remnants of the night.