CHASING THE LAST VEY

It was supposed to be a quick coffee run. Rowan Vey had slipped out of the Vey estate with nothing but a silk scarf, oversized sunglasses, and the freedom of a man who had escaped three aunties, two bodyguards, and one overbearing older sister. He made it exactly two blocks before the rain started. “Perfect,” he muttered, holding the scarf over his head in a hopeless attempt at shelter. The sky, apparently, found this amusing, because the drizzle immediately turned into a downpour. That’s when a large black umbrella appeared over him. Rowan looked up… and instantly forgot how to breathe. Tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp hazel eyes and a voice like velvet, the stranger holding the umbrella looked like he’d walked straight out of a luxury magazine spread. His suit was immaculate despite the rain, and he smelled faintly of cedar and citrus. “You’ll ruin your outfit,” the man said smoothly. “And that would be a crime.” Rowan blinked. “Do you… make a habit of ambushing people with weather protection?” The man’s lips twitched. “Only when they look like they’ve escaped a royal palace.” Rowan narrowed his eyes, suspicious — and then sighed. “Fine. I accept your umbrella. But only because I’m too fabulous to die of pneumonia.” They walked side by side toward the nearest café. Elias — because that was his name, Elias Moreau — seemed effortlessly at ease, but kept glancing at Rowan as if memorizing him. Inside the café, Rowan finally peeled off his damp scarf and sunglasses. Elias’s breath hitched for a fraction of a second — and Rowan noticed. He smirked. “Careful,” Rowan said. “You’re staring.” Elias leaned back in his chair, unapologetic. “I’m not staring. I’m appreciating. Big difference.” Before Rowan could retort, his phone buzzed. One glance at the screen made him groan. Fifteen missed messages. All from his family group chat: Mum: WHERE ARE YOU?! Dad: Bring an umbrella! Sister: Don’t talk to strangers. Brother: Wait… are you wearing my scarf? Rowan sighed and looked at Elias. “If my family asks… you’re my bodyguard.” Elias raised an eyebrow. “And what do I get for playing along?” Rowan tilted his head, a teasing smile curling at his lips. “The pleasure of my company, obviously.” Elias chuckled. “Dangerous bargain.”