Maya’s POV
“If you came to argue, don’t bother,” I called out, my voice sharp. “I’ve said all I needed to say.”
Silence. Just his footsteps, crunching in the sand, coming closer.
“I wasn’t going to argue,” Liam said finally, his voice lower now, calmer. “I just…wanted to make sure you were okay.”
My throat tightened against my will. For a second, I almost stopped walking. Almost.
But I forced my steps forward, the wind tossing my hair into my face like the island itself was trying to shield me from him.
“Don’t waste your concern on me, Ashford,” I snapped. “Save it for yourself. You’re going to need it when you realize I meant what I said. From now on, we’re partners. Nothing more.”
He didn’t reply, but I could feel his gaze on my back like the sun itself. Hot.
A pressure that made
