Ivy's fingers moved absently over the keyboard as she updated the website. Her thoughts, however, were elsewhere-tr

her coat pocket like a sp

ck in the city. Part of her feared speaking his name would summon the past too

tention of ta

ye

she was at the c

eft her a not

re ready to stop

s a time an

ess. But curiosity h

nce. It was sleek, modern, nearly invisible from the road. She was buzzed in by

arcoal shirt and slacks, barefoot on polished st

me," he

ot sur

. That's

the sea framed every window like a living painting. The home was beauti

at stole breath. Ivy sank into the leather ch

ening," s

h for him, tea for her, as i

gerous. If it gets out, it'll tank a major acquisition I'v

d me to fix

s legendary. And despite what

lize hiring me could drag your na

ly if people know yo

ween risk and safety, draw

," he added. "Consulting. Remote w

. "That's..

ot here f

agreed.

r between them tightening

about it,"

th

paused. "Why me? Why not s

what it feels like to be betrayed. Tha

ng day, she

for two

ob, Ivy found hersel

reat under the guise of leisure. KnightTech's top investors were atte

a presence, control narrative, a

t anticipated

e said in Italian-accente

l, eyes wide. "You s

clerk. "There's been a mist

stood stiff as Gabri

intentional

accusin

're thin

he balcony to cool her nerves.

s face in gold and fire. The ocean s

hat I expecte

er are

oked thing that made him youn

suits

wearing heels

like someone who des

eath h

he saw it-the flicker of emoti

aid, her voice thinner than

lk slip dress the color of moonlight, and Gabriel wore black, the top buttons of h

only hea

han I expected," he said betwe

ement is my c

the crisi

im. "You're not

ame, it was soft and real. The so

e paths of the resort, passing mar

s unreal," sh

eside a fountain.

an eyebro

st m

o VIP guests. The sand was warm from the sun, and th

led up his pants, and stepped

night," s

things happen

ed, then

han expected. The sea lapped at her ankles, and

her with eyes

iful when you

ot hid

e said. "But

ed against them. His hand brushed her

he said,

ve said no. Should've reminded him

e closed th

iss tasted of salt and heat and everything she'd sworn to avoid. Her fingers tangled in his

ly when the tide sur

ve done that,"

stop m

n-and this time, s

oaked from the surf. Gabriel handed her a t

on the couch

, eyes wid

e not

red into th

on marble, her heart ham

dn't s

, sunlight poure

y media chatter about Gabriel's meetin

p, Ivy. Walk awa

, blood draining

message f

know who you'

el emerged from the be

first time,

s he h