**Elena’s POV**

There was something about Carmela Santino that made it impossible not to like her, even before she said a word. Her brown curls were wild, framing her face in a way that made her look both untamed and beautiful, and her eyes held a warmth that made me want to trust her.

She slipped her hand into mine as we moved through the crowd, her laugh soft and a little musical, and I felt the tension in my shoulders ease just a little.

“I’m so sorry we couldn’t attend your ...