The sound of laughter echoed across the garden. Ivy splashed water into Cassien’s face, her laughter bubbling out when he retaliated, sending a wave over her head.

She gasped, swiping water from her eyes, only for Darius to suddenly lift her up by the waist and drop her back into the pool with a triumphant grin.

“You cheat!” she cried between giggles, smacking his shoulder as she resurfaced.

Cassien leaned against the pool’s edge, his grin sharp and boyish all at once. “Don’t ...