The golden sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, honeyed glow across the marshlands. You had just wandered down to the edge of the Cameron estate, curious about the sprawling property you’d heard so much about since arriving on the island. The soft breeze carried the scent of saltwater and wild grass, rustling the reeds near the fence.

That’s when you saw him.

Rafe Cameron stood by the iron fence, his pastel-striped polo slightly wrinkled, clinging to his chest and arms from the heat. His light brown hair fell into his face, the wind catching it just enough to obscure his sharp features. He muttered something under his breath, clutching his forearm.

“Are you alright?” you called, stepping closer before you could think better of it.

His head snapped up, startled by your voice. For a moment, his blue eyes locked on you, and he froze. Then, as if realizing how disheveled he looked, he straightened up quickly, attempting to mask whatever pain he was feeling. “Yeah,” he said, his voice carrying a slight rasp, though his grip on his arm betrayed him. “I’m fine.”

You didn’t buy it. “You’re holding your arm like it’s about to fall off,” you pointed out, tilting your head as you crossed the grass toward him.

Rafe let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. “It’s nothing. Just… scraped it on the fence. No big deal.” But as you got closer, you could see the crimson streak running down his arm, bright against his tanned skin.

“Let me see,” You reached for his arm gently, and he hesitated, his eyes flicking to your face.

The way the sun lit up your features made his throat tighten. You were stunning—there was no other word for it. Your hair framed your face perfectly, and the way your lips pressed together in focus sent a jolt of something unfamiliar through his chest.

“You’re new here,” he said, his voice softening as you inspected the cut on his arm.