* * *
The ballroom noise fades into a distant hum.
Breathing feels strange for a second.
Quinn leans over. “Is that what I think it is?”
“I applied months ago,” I admit quietly. “It was three in the morning. I was exhausted. It felt reckless.” I swallow. “They want me.”
Her eyes widen. “That’s incredible.”
It is. But it’s also terrifying.
The prize money would wipe out my remaining business loan. I could hire a full-time assistant. Expand. Stop operating in survival mode.
And if I’m being honest with myself, part of me is tired of endless dates that feel like interviews for a job neither of us really wants.
Maybe controlled chaos in paradise is easier than swiping through strangers.
Before I can think further, Nathan’s phone buzzes.
He glances down, frowning.
“Huh.”
“What?” Quinn asks.
“Our head of security just requested leave. Ten days.” He shrugs. “That’s rare.”
Something tightens in my stomach.
“Who?” I ask, keeping my voice neutral.
“Scott Bennett,” Nathan replies. “Former Marine. Hasn’t taken a day off once since he’s started working for us four months ago.”
The champagne turns to ice in my throat.
Scott Bennett.
The name hits like pressure shifting too fast in my ears.
Ten years collapse inward.
The last time I saw him, he was eighteen and promising me forever with his mouth on mine.
Then he was gone.
No fight. No goodbye. Just silence so complete it made me question whether any of it had been real.
And the whole time he was working for the Knights?
“Lyla?” Quinn asks softly.
“I-I’m fine,” I stammer through my lie.
I’m very much not fine.
Scott taking leave the same amount of time I’ll be gone?
