Aliana’s POV

The bonfire crackled softly as the night stretched on, bathing the beach in a golden glow. The sound of waves lapping against the shore mixed with laughter and clinking glasses as everyone enjoyed the rare moment of peace.

Riley, Evelyn, and Valentina sat around me, drinks in their hands, their husbands nearby, engaged in conversation with Freddy and the rest of his men.

“This night has been perfect,” Riley sighed, stretching her legs in the sand. “It’s been too long since we’ve had something like this.”

Valentina nodded in agreement. “We need to do this more often. No business, no stress. Just us.”

“That’s what I was thinking,”...