LOGINVeronica's POV:"Yes," he said simply. "You can touch me."Then he reached down, grabbed the hem of his soaking tank top, and pulled it over his head in one smooth motion.I forgot how to breathe.It wasn't like I hadn't seen his bare torso before. I had. That day when I'd stumbled into his room, when things had gotten heated between us, when his fingers had explored places that still made me flush to think about. But this time was different.This time he was wet... and glistening of droplets...And it was driving me absolutely crazy...I reached out, my palm trembling slightly as I touched the droplets scattered across his chest.The water was cool against my fingertips, but his skin beneath was warm, almost hot.The contrast sent shivers through me. I kept tracing the path of a water droplet...Everything felt heightened in me, more intense. Or maybe it was just that I was finally admitting to myself how much I wanted this—wanted him.My fingers splayed across his chest, feeling the
Veronica's POV:He was carrying me to the bedroom.I was acutely aware of every point of contact—his arms beneath my knees and around my back, the way my body pressed against his still-damp chest, the strength in his grip that made me feel weightless. My heart was still racing from the fall, from being caught, from the power of his overwhelming presence... he was just too magnetic. "Care to explain why you were even playing around in the kitchen?" His words rumbled through his chest... being this close... I felt it reverberate through my own body."I just wanted to help her... she seemed to be doing a lot of work alone...," I said defensively, trying not to focus on how good he smelled—like salt water and something distinctly Max, something that made my head spin."And look how that turned out for you." He shouldered open the door to my bedroom and carried me inside, placing me carefully on the edge of the bed. The gentleness of the gesture contrasted sharply with the sarcastic edg
Veronica's POV:"Thank you so much," I said to the maid... with genuine gratitude, warming my voice as I gathered my dishes and brought them to the sink.She was already there, rinsing plates under the stream of water in a robotic way...Usually it was only her loading the dishes into the dishwasher.Most of the other maids worked on different tasks throughout the sprawling beach house—laundry, dusting, organizing—but she seemed to handle the kitchen alone."Do you need any help?" I asked, hovering near the counter.She glanced at me, surprise flickering across her features. "No, thank you. I've got it."But I stood there reluctantly, unable to make myself leave. She'd just revealed a significant family secret to me, something she absolutely didn't have to do. Something that could probably get her in trouble if the brothers found out.The least I could do was help her with some dishes.It was only nine in the morning. I had hours until the afternoon, hours until I needed to get ready
Veronica's POV:Let it be tails, I thought desperately as the coin spun through the air, catching the light.It landed with a soft clink on the coffee table.Heads.Theo groaned deeply... as he slumped back against the couch cushions.Max, on the other hand, was overjoyed. He literally jumped up on the couch like a kid who'd just won the snake and ladders game, pumping his fist in the air. "In your face, brother! I win!""As if you played an actual game and won," Theo criticized... with disdain. "This is just a chance game, bro. Not an actual thing.""A win's a win!" Max crowed, still standing on the couch like he was king of the world.I could only slam my palm against my forehead. These two brothers... they always found a reason to fight. Always.But beneath my exasperation, something else stirred. Terror, yes... the thought of going on a date with Max, unpredictable and intense Max, made my stomach flip with anxiety.But there was also something else, something I didn't want to ack
Veronica's POV:I was seated between the two brothers... in the center of the oversized couch—Theo to my left, Max to my right.The movie played on the massive screen in front of us, something action-packed that Max had chosen, but I wasn't really paying attention to the explosions and car chases. I just couldn't...Instead, I found myself glancing down at our wrists, a small smile tugging at my lips.Three matching rose quartz bracelets, pale pink stones catching the dim light of the room. I'd actually made them wear it. For real.It wasn't much of an issue with Theo... he already had two other bracelets in his right wrist, citrine and amethyst crystals that he'd explained the properties of in detail when I'd noticed them earlier.Of course, Theo would know more about crystals than I could ever hope to explain. His well-versed knowledge in spirituality seemed to extend to everything, from meditation practices to the metaphysical properties of gemstones. He was a spritual master!Max,
Veronica's POV:I pulled out the chair and sat down, smoothing the papers in front of me with trembling fingers. The header read: "Tri-Party Arrangement Agreement" in Theo's precise, professional font.Of course he'd given it an official title.I started reading, my eyes scanning the numbered sections:Rule 1: Group Dynamics.... When all three parties are present together, interactions shall remain platonic and friendly in nature. Romantic or physical gestures of affection are to occur only during one-on-one time between Veronica and the respective party of her choosing.Romantic courtship may only occur during one-on-one interactions between Veronica Whitmore and either Theodore Ashford OR Maximilain Ashford individually.All parties agree to a binding Non-Disclosure Agreement regarding the nature of this arrangement. No details shall be shared with outside parties, including but not limited to: family members, friends, colleagues, or media entities.Max leaned over my shoulder, read







