| ITALY — LATER THAT NIGHT |

The soft click of Laera's heels echoed against the hotel’s quiet corridor, Oliver walking by her side with his hands in his pocket.

Neither of them spoke at first, but the heat from the dinner still lingered between them, as tangible as the faint scent of her perfume that kept drifting his way. Every now and then, his gaze flicked to her, and his chest raced each time.

Soon, they arrived in front of her door. Laera reached for the key card in her clutch that he was holding but his fingers brushed hers before she could take it.

“ Allow me,” he...