Chloe’s POV

The night air smelled like wine and rain. Venice glowed outside the car window, soft lights, golden canals, people laughing in the distance. I sat beside Jake, my heart knocking against my ribs like it wanted out. His hand rested on the gearshift, calm, steady, like nothing in the world could touch him.

“Don’t fidget,” he said without looking at me.

I froze. “I’m not.”

“You are.” He glanced my way, a ghost of a smirk on his lips. “You always fidget ...