The world was a blur of spray and adrenaline, but anchored against Leon's back, Ashley felt a sudden, surprising safety. Her arms tightened around his torso, not just for balance, but in a genuine, grateful embrace, her cheek almost pressed against the damp fabric of his shirt.

"Thank you for saving me..." The words were almost lost to the wind and the roar of the jetski, but he felt them.

As they slowed, she leaned forward, her voice softening into a more intimate space between them. "You know," she began, a hopeful smile playing on her lips, "I could put in a word with my dad. Have you assigned to my detail." She paused, letting the offer hang in the salt-tinged air. "If you're interested."

Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic rhythm that had nothing to do with their recent escape and everything to do with the hope that he would say yes.