That afternoon, Desi was studying alone in one of the library's quieter sections when a familiar voice interrupted her concentration.

"Miss Whitmore? I hope I'm not disturbing your research."

She looked up to find Ian Greco approaching with the kind of polished charm that had probably been perfected through years of political family training. His smile was warm, engaging, and made her instinctively wary in ways she couldn't quite articulate.

"Not at all. What can I help you ...