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
Bill’s POV“You should’ve told me,” I manage, the frustration thick in my voice. “I would’ve made sure the one who tried to assault you paid for it.”Serena looks away, jaw clenched. “It doesn’t matter, Bill.”But it does matter. She almost got violated, and yet she’s here, acting like it’s somethin
Bill’s POV“Adam Pritchard. That’s his name.”James hands me the picture, and the second I see his face, it all comes back. He’s the guy who had the audacity to escort Serena to her company launch, that smug grin plastered on his face like he belonged by her side. That asshole.“What are you gonna d
Stevie’s POVThe ride to the clinic is quiet. Calvin’s hands are steady on the wheel, his focus fixed on the road. I know he’s trying to make this feel normal, like he’s not driving me to an appointment that confirms the biggest change in my life. It doesn’t work.“You didn’t have to drive me,” I sa
Stevie’s POVThis has to be the fanciest kidnapping in the history of bad ideas.I’m standing in the foyer of Calvin’s penthouse, staring at the polished marble floors, the towering windows, and a chandelier that looks like it could fund a small country. Everything about this place screams luxury—to
Calvin’s POVHospitals always feel the same—like time slows down, stretching every second into an eternity. I’m standing outside Stevie’s room, staring at the door, willing myself to move. My hand hovers near the handle, but I can’t bring myself to push it open.I can hear her voice faintly through
Serena’s POV“Stevie, stay with me,” I mutter, my voice shaking as I keep one arm wrapped around her shoulders. Her weight sags against me, and I feel the panic rising in my chest.“I’m fine,” she whispers weakly, but her pale face and unfocused eyes say otherwise.“You’re not fine,” I snap, flaggin
Serena’s POVThe office feels quieter than usual. Maybe it’s the late hour or the fact that most people have already gone home. But as I glance across the room at Stevie, hunched over her laptop, I know something’s off.She’s always had a way of pushing through, of pretending everything’s fine when
Calvin’s POVFatherhood.The word keeps bouncing around my head, refusing to settle. It feels foreign, heavy. Like trying on a jacket that doesn’t fit but knowing you’re stuck wearing it anyway.I stare out the window of my office, watching the city buzz below. Cars honk. People hustle. Life moves o
Stevie’s POVI’m pacing my living room, muttering to myself like a lunatic.“Calvin, listen—no, that’s too polite.” I stop and shake my head, trying again. “Look, Calvin, I don’t owe you an explanation. That’s better. Straight to the point. No room for debate.”I glance at the mirror above my couch
Calvin’s POVI see her before she sees me.Stevie’s stepping out of the building, her bag slung over her shoulder, sunglasses perched on her nose. She looks like she’s trying to blend into the crowd, which is almost funny considering Stevie Malone doesn’t exactly do subtle.“Stevie,” I call, walking
Serena’s POVI spot Stevie slipping out of the ballroom as I’m finishing up a conversation with a PR exec. She moves quickly, almost like she’s trying not to be seen, but I know her too well. The slight wobble in her steps, the way she clutches her bag like it’s holding her together — it’s a dead gi