Chapter 1

Selena’s POV

Six months had passed since I walked away from Ryan, and here I was at his sister’s birthday party like nothing had changed.

The backyard was full of laughter and clinking bottles under that warm afternoon sun. Kids ran around chasing each other while adults huddled in groups catching up.

I kept my smile polite, sipping my drink and trying not to think too much about the past.

Then I saw him. Ethan. Ryan’s older brother. Tall as hell, those tattoos snaking up his arms and disappearing under his tight black shirt, broad shoulders that made my stomach tighten every single time.

He had always been...