Bill’s POV“Serena?” I say, watching the way she shifts uncomfortably. I can tell she’s on edge, so I don’t wait for her to introduce us.I turn to her friend, holding out my hand. “I’m Bill.”He looks at my hand for a second before shaking it. “Matt.”“Nice to meet you, Matt.” I keep my voice stead
Serena’s POVEster’s jewelry sketch lies in front. “So,” I ask Stevie, turning the design her way, “what do you think?”Stevie leans in, her fingers tracing the outline of the necklace in the sketch. She raises an eyebrow, shooting me a curious look. “Alright, spill. What’s the inspiration?”“Old Ho
Serena’s POVI pull up to Matt’s place, my stomach twisting as I see an ambulance parked out front and a few neighbors gathered, their voices low and concerned. Inside, the atmosphere is thick, heavy with an uneasy quiet. The doctors are tending to Matt’s mom, who lies in her bed, frail and pale, h
Serena’s POVMy face is soaked but the tears won’t stop. Matt sits across from me. He stares in the distance as if his mind is somewhere far away.“She didn’t want a funeral,” he says. “That was her choice. Just a cremation… keep things simple.” He swallows, still looking away. “She said it was bett
Bill’s POVSleep isn’t happening tonight. Serena is with some guy who looks like he walked out of a boxing ring. Or a GQ ad. Broad shoulders, trim waist. Arms that look like they could crush steel. He’s younger too — by at least five years, maybe ten.I roll over, punch my pillow, and try to settle
Serena’s POVI’ve always thought a gun would feel lighter, but this thing is solid in my hands, heavier than I expected. I glance over at Matt who’s standing close. The shooting range hums with distant pops and cracks, and even though I know we’re safe here, a nervous tingle runs down my spine. “L
Serena’s POV"What’s wrong with you, Matt?"The question shoots out before I can soften it. I’m still tense from the way he was firing, shot after shot slamming into the target with this angry energy that felt more than a little out of place. He’s usually calm, even a little smug. But just now? That
Bill’s POVThe day drags on in endless meetings and presentations, but it’s not work that’s on my mind.I’m pacing myself through the latest client pitch for Pinnacle AI’s predictive analytics suite, listening to the client’s questions with one ear while I mentally check off my list for the day. The