Serena’s POVEster’s jewelry sketch lies in front. “So,” I ask Stevie, turning the design her way, “what do you think?”Stevie leans in, her fingers tracing the outline of the necklace in the sketch. She raises an eyebrow, shooting me a curious look. “Alright, spill. What’s the inspiration?”“Old Ho
Serena’s POVI pull up to Matt’s place, my stomach twisting as I see an ambulance parked out front and a few neighbors gathered, their voices low and concerned. Inside, the atmosphere is thick, heavy with an uneasy quiet. The doctors are tending to Matt’s mom, who lies in her bed, frail and pale, h
Serena’s POVMy face is soaked but the tears won’t stop. Matt sits across from me. He stares in the distance as if his mind is somewhere far away.“She didn’t want a funeral,” he says. “That was her choice. Just a cremation… keep things simple.” He swallows, still looking away. “She said it was bett
Bill’s POVSleep isn’t happening tonight. Serena is with some guy who looks like he walked out of a boxing ring. Or a GQ ad. Broad shoulders, trim waist. Arms that look like they could crush steel. He’s younger too — by at least five years, maybe ten.I roll over, punch my pillow, and try to settle
Serena’s POVI’ve always thought a gun would feel lighter, but this thing is solid in my hands, heavier than I expected. I glance over at Matt who’s standing close. The shooting range hums with distant pops and cracks, and even though I know we’re safe here, a nervous tingle runs down my spine. “L
Serena’s POV"What’s wrong with you, Matt?"The question shoots out before I can soften it. I’m still tense from the way he was firing, shot after shot slamming into the target with this angry energy that felt more than a little out of place. He’s usually calm, even a little smug. But just now? That
Bill’s POVThe day drags on in endless meetings and presentations, but it’s not work that’s on my mind.I’m pacing myself through the latest client pitch for Pinnacle AI’s predictive analytics suite, listening to the client’s questions with one ear while I mentally check off my list for the day. The
Bill’s POV“You should’ve told me,” I manage, the frustration thick in my voice. “I would’ve made sure the one who tried to assault you paid for it.”Serena looks away, jaw clenched. “It doesn’t matter, Bill.”But it does matter. She almost got violated, and yet she’s here, acting like it’s somethin
Calvin’s POVThe numbers don’t lie, but today, they feel like they’re mocking me. I’ve been staring at the same financial projections for twenty minutes, and not a single line of data is sticking. This is rare for me — unheard of, really. Usually, I could recite these reports backward in my sleep. B
Stevie’s POVI swear to God, if one more person emails me about this campaign, I’m gonna set my laptop on fire and walk into the ocean.Okay, maybe not the ocean — this is LA, and I’d probably step on a hypodermic needle before I even hit the water. But you get the point.The launch of Etoile de Col
Stevie’s POVI wake up with sunlight slicing through the curtains and a pounding headache that isn’t entirely from the champagne. It’s that kind of morning — the kind where you know you’ve done something, but your brain hasn’t caught up yet. The bed is too soft, too big, and way too not mine.Then i
Stevie’s POVI can’t remember how we got from the bar to the elevator, but I know I’ve been kissing Calvin like my life depends on it. His hands are everywhere—my waist, my ass, tangled in my hair. I don’t think I’ve ever been kissed like this. It’s all-consuming, messy, and so goddamn good. By the
Calvin’s POVThe bar is quieter than the reception, but the burn of whiskey in my glass is no match for the fire still coursing through me. Dancing with Stevie was supposed to be a distraction, a little fun. But now? Now I can’t stop thinking about the way her body felt pressed against mine. The way
Bill’s POVThe door to our suite clicks shut behind us, muffling the sounds of the party still in full swing downstairs. I glance at Serena, who’s already kicking off her shoes with a sigh of relief. Her smile is tired but genuine, and I can’t help but stare for a second. She’s still in her dress, t
Serena’s POVThe reception is in full swing, and I’m mid-laugh at one of Bill’s dry jokes when something catches my eye. I glance toward the dance floor, taking in the swirling crowd, and then I see it. I freeze mid-sentence, my smile faltering. “Why is Stevie grinding on Calvin?” The words slip out
Stevie’s POVThe second we step onto the dance floor, I realize I’ve made a mistake. Calvin doesn’t just dance — he moves like he’s got something to prove, and my body is all too willing to keep up. His hand slides to my waist, firm and deliberate, pulling me close enough that I feel the heat radiat
Stevie’s POVThere’s something about an open bar and a wedding dress code that just makes people lose their damn minds, and honestly? I’m here for it. After my speech, I’ve earned the right to let loose, and by let loose, I mean dance like a maniac and drink just enough to get tipsy, not trashed. Th