lab, meetings with Professor Daniels, and evenings spent alone in her small cottage, where the sound of the ocean ou

le she was cataloguing her research findings or when she looked out over the water during her evening walks. Some

itial trip, each time offering insight into the local waters and helping her gather the data she needed. But there was

me she spent in the town, the harder it became to hold onto that singular purpose. The slow pace of life here had a way of softening her defences

essor Daniels, asking her to meet him at the local marina. A visiting researcher had arri

ne of the larger boats, deep in conversation with a tall man in his

to the man beside him. "He's from the University of Miami a

le on his face. "Pleasure to meet you,

ite but reserved. "Likewise. It's g

oat pulling into the harbour. She watched as he deftly manoeuvred the vessel into its slip, his movements efficient

. "So, what do you think, Elena? Are you up f

ed part of the conversation. "Of co

can integrate into the restoration project. I'll send over some notes t

Aiden as he stepped off his boat and disapp

nd David standing by the dock. David glanced out over the water, his expressi

urprised by the observa

one of those towns. Quiet, and unassuming on the surface, but there's

"You're right. It do

looking forward to working with you, Elen

is tone that made Elena uneasy. But she pushed the feeling aside, chalki

ion. David seemed friendly enough, but there was a certain intensity in his demeanour that made her wary. She tol

cean, as always, provided a sense of comfort, its rhythmic waves lapping at the shore. She sat

houghts. She turned to see Aiden walking toward her, his

you out here," Aiden s

d, brushing a strand of hair from

water. "You looked pretty deep i

oject. We've got a new researcher joining u

ugh his expression remained neutral. "Langston's been in and out o

an eyebrow. "

rd her, his eyes darkenin

tone that made Elena's curi

story to tell. Just be careful with him. He's ambitious, and

at to make of his warning.

ence beside her, the same magnetic pull she had felt since the day they met. There was so much she didn't know about him, so much

said," Elena began, her voice quiet

his expression softe

hink I'm starting to understand what you meant. I

ke, his voice low and rough. "You can't ru

ng his gaze. "What about y

hut her out again. But then he sighed, the tension in his shoulde

Elena didn't push for more, sensing that this was as much as he was willing to give right now. But it was enough. For the

t, Aiden spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "You should be careful

y. "Maybe that's ex

od there together, two people bound by their hidden wounds, watchi