Ashcroft lifted his free hand in mock surrender, smirking. “Relax. Just appreciating beauty, not stealing it.”
Damien didn’t reply—his stare had already returned to Maya, and the look in his eyes was something else entirely.
Maya felt the weight of their stares immediately, and warmth crept up her neck despite the breeze sweeping across the helipad. She smoothed her skirt instinctively, her fingers brushing over the soft fabric as if that could steady her heartbeat.
Harper, walking just behind her, caught the look on Damien’s face and had to bite back a knowing grin.
James fell into step at her side, professional as ever, while Lee carried her bag with quiet efficiency. But the air felt different now—charged, as though the world had slowed down for a beat too long.
As they drew closer
