VALERIE
The coastal sun had already dipped below the horizon by the time our chauffeur pulled the SUV into the sprawling, cobblestone driveway of the Thorne beach estate.
The house was massive—a modern glass-and-cedar compound cut directly into the ocean cliffs, illuminated by warm, glowing outdoor lights that reflected off the dark, crashing waves below. Nathan and the others were already here; three sports cars were parked in a sleek line near the multi-car garage, and loud music was faintly pulsing through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Ben stepped out of the back seat first, effortlessly grabbing my two heavy leather duffel bags along with his own luggage before I could even reach for them.
I pushed through the grand double glass doors of the entrance, the cool air conditi
