The drive to the villa felt endless. As the city lights disappeared, winding roads led them through dark forests that felt oddly quiet. Mara sat in the back seat beside Damon, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her dress, her heart racing the farther they went.

It wasn’t until the car rolled through massive wrought-iron gates that she realized just how far Damon had taken her away from everything she knew.

Mara’s breath caught. “It’s beautiful… and ...