Rue’s POV

The salt-sweet breeze brushed against my face as I reclined on a sunbed, the sound of waves dissolving my thoughts into something almost… peaceful.

Three days ago, Bella had called me, and I knew mischief would be involved.

“We’re done with the project! Let’s celebrate.”

I had hesitated at first—there was too much work left to do at the office, and Aiden’s shenanigans seemed to follow me everywhere, even in silence. But I’d finally agreed. I needed distance and some ...