For a long time, neither of them moved. Elise stayed pressed against Alejandro, listening to the steady thud of his heartbeat under her ear. Her fingers still curled into his shirt, as though letting go would shatter the fragile peace between them.

When he finally eased back enough to see her face, his eyes were softer, though the storm hadn’t fully cleared.

“You know,” he murmured, his thumb brushing across her cheek, “you really are my peace, and because you know, I think you take advantage of it sometimes.”

Elise gave a shaky smile. “It’s not intentional, taking advantage of it. But then again, I don’t think I am your...