I nodded, a genuine smile breaking through my lips before I could second-guess it.
It felt strange. Real. Unfamiliar in a way that made my chest tighten.
“Okay.”
For a moment, neither of us moved.
Dante didn’t immediately step back.
He just stood there, watching me—his gaze warm, open, curious.
Not in a way that stripped me bare, but in a way that seemed to... study me gently.
Like he was trying to memorize something he knew he might not get back.
Then—
Tires screamed.
The sound ripped through the beach atmosphere like a blade.
A black SUV barreled into the parking lot at dangerous speed, gravel spraying out in a violent arc as it fishtailed slightly before slamming to a halt beside us.
The sudden intrusion shattered the calm in an instant.
Heads turned.
Voices stilled.
Dust lingered in the air like a warning.
The driver’s door flew open.
And Vincenzo stepped out.
Everything about him radiated tension—coiled, controlled, but barely contained.
His shoulders were rigid, his jaw clenched so tightly a muscle ticked beneath his skin.
His eyes moved fast—sharp, scanning—locking onto Dante... then me... then the sandboard tucked under Dante’s arm.
His expression darkened instantly.
He crossed the distance in four long strides.
No hesitation.
No warning.
Before I could even process what was happening, his arm banded around my waist—firm, possessive—and pulled me sharply against his side.
My breath caught at the sudden force, my body reacting before my mind could catch up.
His other hand came up, cupping the back of my neck with a grip that was both grounding and claiming.
Then he leaned down.
And kissed me.
