The dull thud of the phone hitting the floor echoed in the stillness, signaling the absolute severance of his outer world. With his primary line of connection discarded, the quiet in the penthouse felt heavier, thicker, and far more absolute.

You leaned down until your chest pressed firmly against his, your weight grounding him to the mattress. Your fingers slowly traced up the smooth line of his throat, resting lightly over the rapid, erratic thrum of his carotid pulse.