*Lauren*

The sound of hurried footsteps crunching on the gravel path shattered my thoughts of escape. My heart jolted, not just from the unexpected noise but also from the hope that surged through me. I spun around to find Lucas, his dark hair flying everywhere from the urgency of his pursuit, closing the distance between us with long, determined strides.

"Lauren!" he called out, his deep voice laced with a breathlessness that matched his appearance. His sun-kissed skin seemed ...