Riley’s POV
His hand was warm around mine. Too warm. Too familiar.
I forced my smile to stay in place even as my stomach churned.
“Marcus,” I said, my voice coming out steadier than I felt. “What a surprise.”
“A pleasant one, I hope.” His thumb brushed across my knuckles before he released my hand. The gesture was quick, subtle, but I felt it like a brand.
Gerald was watching us. I could feel his eyes moving between Marcus and me, assessing, analyzing.
“How do you two know each other?” Gerald asked, his tone polite but edged with something I couldn’t quite identify.
“Mrs. Roth is a regular at the spa,” Marcus said smoothly. “One of our most valued clients. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her for years.”
“Working with her.” Gerald’s voice was flat.
“As her massage therapist,”
