The steady hum of the aircraft engines gradually faded, replaced by the soft, rhythmic hush of ocean waves crashing against white sand.
When the small plane touched down on the private island runway, the hot afternoon sun was already beaming down through a cloudless turquoise sky. The air that met Evelyn as she stepped onto the landing stairs was warm, thick with the scent of salt water, crushed hibiscus flowers, and damp palm leaves.
Evelyn closed her eyes for a brief moment, taking a deep breath of the tropical air. The sharp chill of the New York autumn was completely gone, replaced by a soothing warmth that settled directly into her bones.
Adrian stepped down right behind her, his large hand resting gently on the small of her back. He had discarded his dark trousers during the fligh
