Rhett’s POV

The drive back to the estate feels longer than it should. The road winds through the hills like a black ribbon, the late afternoon sun bleeding into the horizon. Beside me, Sienna sits silent, her hand resting on her thigh. I can see the tension in her jaw, the way her fingers twitch every few seconds as if she’s holding herself together.

I reach over, covering her hand with mine. Her skin is cool. “You don’t have to do this,” I say quietly.

“Yes, I do.” Her eyes ...