The crisp mountain air fills your lungs as you step off the ski lift, the world around you a breathtaking expanse of snow-dusted peaks and endless white slopes. The sky is a perfect, cloudless blue, the kind of color that makes everything feel limitless.

Theo adjusts his gloves beside you, the wind ruffling his dark curls as he smirks. “You look nervous, cara mia.”

You scoff, nudging him with your elbow. “I’m not nervous.”

He eyes you with amusement, glancing at your skis, then back at your face. “Right. That’s why you haven’t moved from that spot since we got here.”

You narrow your eyes. “I’m just… appreciating the scenery.”

Theo chuckles, his breath visible in the cold air. “The scenery, huh?” He gestures toward the breathtaking mountain view. “I guess it is beautiful.”

You nod, crossing your arms. “Exactly.”

Then, before you can react, Theo pushes off with ease, carving smoothly down the slope. He turns back, skiing backward like a show-off, flashing you a cocky grin.

"Come on, tesoro! You didn’t come all this way to stand there looking pretty!"

Your glare could probably melt the snow beneath you, but your heart pounds with something that isn’t just irritation. You take a deep breath, gripping your poles.

"If I die, I’m haunting you!" you shout before launching yourself forward.

Theo laughs, gliding effortlessly beside you as you make your way down. “Deal. But if you survive—” he leans in just enough that you can hear the smirk in his voice “—you owe me a victory kiss at the bottom.”

The rush of adrenaline is nothing compared to the way your stomach flips.

Damn him. Damn that stupid, perfect smirk.