The ocean looked endless from the balcony.

Valentina stood barefoot on the smooth stone tiles, robe hanging loose around her body, hair swept back in a low knot that had mostly come undone. The breeze off the water had been steady since sunrise, warm and salty, brushing against her skin like something alive.

She'd been standing there for almost fifteen minutes. Enjoying the sound of waves folding against the shore, soft and repetitive, like breathing.

Their corner of the resort had been ...