Elena’s POV
I thought the night couldn’t get any more ridiculous.
One moment I was choking on pool water, the next I was being hauled out of it like some drenched ragdoll. Dax’s shirt was still draped over my shoulders, heavier now with water, clinging like second skin as he led me inside. My lungs burned, my pride smarted, and then—
The sky exploded.
There was no thunder, no lightning—just pure fireworks between us.
Wait… was that fireworks in the sky?
Red, gold, silver—blossoms of light unfurled above us, spilling across the dark canvas of night. The crackle echoed off the villa walls, the reflection shimmering across the pool water I’d just nearly drowned in.
I froze, staring upward, drops of water rolling down my face that had nothing to do with tears.
“Dax… d
