Elin’s POV

My phone buzzes on the villa's kitchen counter, Aaron's fresh coffee steaming beside it. I snatch it up, screen lighting Grayson's name. My thumb hovers—answer or silence? The mate bond with Aaron thrums steady in my chest, but Grayson's quiet strength tugs like an old habit, one I need to sever clean. I swipe. "Grayson."

"Elin." His voice rolls low, warm as a hearth fire. "I've been thinking about you. Nonstop. Can I see you? Today?"

I lean against the cool marble, ...