The sun had barely risen when Caliste stretched in bed, her body tangled in the silky sheets of the villa. She blinked sleepily, momentarily forgetting where she was. The distant sound of waves reminded her.
Island. Villa. "Honeymoon." And Lucian freaking Velmore.
She turned—and saw the other side of the bed empty. Just a dent in the pillow and the scent of his cologne lingering faintly.
He was probably running or swimming. Or brooding somewhere shirtless and dramatic.
She shuffled to the kitchen, only to find him there, coffee in hand, shirtless indeed, wearing joggers like a walking magazine cover.
"Morning, wife," he said with a teasing grin. "Sleep well?"
"I would've if your cologne didn't try to choke me to death."
"Admit it. You like it."
"I'd rather admit I like sand in my shoes."
Lucian laughed and slid a cup toward her. "Big plans today?"
"I thought I'd read. Nap. Maybe throw myself into the ocean if you keep acting smug."
He sipped his coffee. "You love it."
She snorted—but didn't deny it.
Later that afternoon, the resort hosted a yacht party for all villa guests. The sky was clear, the music upbeat, and Caliste found herself laughing more than she expected. Lucian, relaxed and charismatic, was suddenly less annoying and more… addictive.
And then it happened.
"Cali?"
She froze.
That voice. That stupid, deep voice that once made her blush in high school.
She turned, heart stumbling—and there he was.
Jace Carter.
Sun-kissed skin, easy grin, and that same dimple on his cheek that once made every girl in their school melt. Her childhood crush. The boy who once asked her to prom and ghosted her three days before.
He was taller now, a little more rugged, but still entirely, frustratingly attractive.
"Jace?" she said, stunned.
"I thought that was you," he said, stepping closer. "Wow. You… you look amazing."
Lucian appeared beside her in a flash, his hand suddenly on the small of her back. "Friend of yours?"
Jace raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. We went to school together. I used to call her Cali."
"I still call her that," Lucian said smoothly. "But only when she's behaving."
Caliste blinked. What the hell was that?
Jace chuckled, glancing between them. "I didn't know you were married."
"Barely," she muttered.
Lucian's hand tightened just slightly.
Jace gave a lazy smile. "Well, I'm here for a photo shoot. Fashion campaign. Figured I'd mix some work with beach time. You know how it is."
Lucian's jaw tensed. "Sounds thrilling."
Jace turned back to Caliste. "We should catch up sometime. I mean… it's been years."
Caliste smiled politely. "Sure. Maybe later."
After he walked away, Lucian narrowed his eyes. "You dated that guy?"
"No," she said quickly. "He ghosted me before prom."
Lucian looked oddly satisfied. "Good. I don't like his face."
"You don't like anyone's face."
"True. But especially his."
She rolled her eyes and walked away, but Lucian followed.
"You blushed when he showed up."
"No, I didn't."
"You did."
"Shut up, Lucian."
They spent the next hour sipping drinks in silence, both tense. She hated how Lucian suddenly looked annoyed. And worse—how it made her feel kind of… giddy.
Later, she stood alone at the bar, staring at the ocean when Jace returned.
"I didn't mean to make it awkward," he said, sliding beside her.
"It's fine. You just have terrible timing."
Jace grinned. "You've really changed, Caliste. In a good way. Confident. Strong. Sexy."
She looked away, unsure how to respond.
Then, before she could react, a warm arm slid around her waist.
Lucian.
He leaned in, low voice in her ear. "I think it's time for our swim, darling."
Jace raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse us," Lucian added, leading her away before she could say a word.
When they were out of earshot, Caliste yanked his arm off. "What are you doing?"
Lucian turned to face her. "Stopping your ex-crush from flirting with my wife."
"Not your business."
"You're my wife."
"On paper!"
"You're mine, Caliste," he said firmly. "Even if it's for a contract, I won't watch another man undress you with his eyes."
She stared at him, stunned. "That wasn't jealousy… was it?"
Lucian said nothing, his chest rising with his breath.
She smirked. "Well well. Mr. Velmore has feelings."
"I don't."
"You do."
"I don't like sharing."
She stepped closer. "What if I wanted to talk to him?"
Lucian's eyes burned into hers. "Then I'd remind you who sleeps beside you every night."
"You don't sleep beside me."
"I could."
The air crackled. Their breath mingled. His hand brushed her wrist.
Her pulse jumped.
"I think," she whispered, "this vacation is getting too real."
He leaned in, voice a low rumble. "Then let's make it real."