The cool night air hit me as soon as we stepped onto the quiet terrace. String lights twinkled overhead. A few guests smoked cigarettes nearby but paid us no attention. Carter led me further down, away from the doors, until we were half-hidden by a tall planter.

He turned me to face him. The moonlight made his features sharper. More intense.

“June.” The way he said my name felt like a caress and a command at the same time. “Look at me.”

I did. My lips parted. My heart raced so fast I felt lightheaded.

He stepped closer until my back pressed against the stone railing. One of his hands...