Mara's hands shook as she adjusted the strap of her bag, the villa behind her feeling intimidating and solid, like a fortress. Damon hadn’t been around that morning, and it made her uneasy as she walked. She tried to take deep breaths, but the quiet streets felt too quiet, shadows seemed looming, and every stranger could be a danger.

As she approached the corner café, something caught her attention—a black SUV creeping toward her, moving slowly enough that it felt suspicious. Her heart ...