Morning light crept across Jenna’s bed, but instead of the embrace she’d hoped for, she woke to emptiness. Ryker was gone. The sheets beside her were cold, untouched.
Panic flickered in her chest before she steadied herself. It wasn’t his red room. She dressed quietly, with so many racing thoughts. The villa felt noisy.
She wandered through the halls. At the grand entrance, a cream-colored card sat on the welcome desk:
Welcome, Nina.
Her breath caught. She touched the paper, mind spinning. Nina?
Before she could dwell on it, heels clicked from the stairwell. Nina appeared in sharp focus. Poised and elegant as always.
“Good morning,” Nina said softly, her voice smooth. “I’m in charge until Ryker returns.”
Jenna swallowed. “I… heard he left?”
Nina nodded. “Coming home late. He has pl
