The morning air was crisp as Isabella Vicks and Damien Hayes stepped out of the sleek black car, their luggage in tow. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting golden hues across the serene landscape of the coastal resort they had chosen for a much-needed escape. For the first time in months, the threats of Marcus Vale, his operatives, and the shadows of Emily Carter’s disappearance felt distant. Here, it was just them—and a chance to rediscover each other beyond the confines of danger and duty.
Isabella inhaled deeply, feeling the salty breeze fill her lungs. “It feels… unreal,” she murmured, turning to Damien.
He smiled, his dark eyes softening as he reached for her hand. “We’ve earned this,” he said. “Time away, just for us. No threats, no secrets… just you and me.”
She smiled bac
