The breeze smelled like coconuts and salt, the ocean stretching endlessly in every direction, its waves glowing gold in the dying light of the sunset. Everything here was beautiful—tropical, peaceful, untouchable. But nothing compared to the man sitting beside you.

Adrian Volkov didn’t belong in paradise. He was the storm paradise feared. You guys sat on the edge of the infinity pool attached to your private villa, legs dangling in the warm water.

"You’re too far," he muttered, not bothering to hide the edge in his voice, even though you were barely inches away.

You smiled, knowing Too far for Adrian meant not touching. He leaned in, closing the distance like it offended him to let air exist between you two. His arm wrapped around your waist and dragged you to his side.

"Better," he said, pressing his lips to your cheek.

"Every second you’re out of my sight is a second I don’t breathe right," Adrian continued. “You calm me down and make my demons quiet. Do you understand how maddening that is?”