Angela let the door close behind them with a soft click, the golden glow of the villa's lanterns wrapping them in warmth. Daniel stood just inside, hands loosely in his pockets, giving her space as if he didn't want to assume too much. That small hesitation only made her heart beat faster.

She stepped closer. "You're not usually this careful, are you?"

He chuckled low in his chest. "Only when the woman in front of me deserves it."

Angela tilted her head, studying him, then reached up to smooth ...