The couple hadn't taken three steps when a scarlet sports car screeched to a halt behind them, its headlights searingly bright like camera flashes. Alicia's breath hitched—those piercing beams always triggered her childhood trauma, making her eyes water instantly. Rooted to the spot, she instinctively raised trembling hands to shield her face, only to feel Carlos's iron grip encircle her waist, pulling her flush against him. The familiar scent of his cologne steadied her racing pulse.
As the engine's growl faded, Alicia peeked through her fingers. The door swung open to reveal a man in a white suit that glowed under the streetlights, his ash-brown bangs artfully tousled over eyebrows framing eyes as clear as spring water. Before she could focus, his voice cut through the night—laced with
