Marcus’s expression softened. “I hope your brother is doing well?”
“He is,” I said, managing a small smile. “Better than expected.”
He nodded. “That’s wonderful to hear. If you'd like to schedule regular calls moving forward, we can set that up. Once a week is standard for companions with family obligations.”
The offer caught me off guard. “Really? That would be great. Thank you.”
“Of course. Just let me know the day and time, and I’ll get it set in the system.” He led me back to the reception area. “Is there anything else you need this evening?”
I shook my head, already mentally planning when to call Casey next. “No, that's all. Thanks again.”
As I headed back to the companions' quarters, all these emotions were colliding inside me. Missing Casey like crazy, feeling like garbage about lying to him, and this hardcore need to make sure all this was worth it. Plus this weird ache that had zero to do with my brother and everything to do with a certain blue-blooded European who wouldn't get out of my head.
Ricard's face floated into my mind—his intense eyes, the way his expression softened when he looked at me, the vulnerability he revealed when talking about family burdens. The memory of his body against mine in the Dark Room just hours ago, how quickly everything else had faded away when we recognized each other.
I pushed the thought away. Dr. Winters was right. What Ricard and I had, whatever it was, existed in a bubble, a fantasy world designed for connection without the messy reality. It didn’t matter.
The night air was warm against my skin, crickets buzzing in the background. In another world, I might've found it romantic, a perfect setting for a vacation fling. Instead, I saw it for what it really was: a gilded cage containing and controlling, offering the illusion of freedom.
By the time I reached the companions' quarters, I had regained my equilibrium. Talking to Casey had reminded me why I was here. Tomorrow, I’d enjoy my day off, rest as Jamael suggested. To regroup. When I returned to duty, I’d keep things professional with Ricardfor however long his stay lasted. I’d give him the service he paid for, protecting my heart while I was at it.
As I entered my room, I caught sight of the framed photo of Casey and me on my nightstand. In it, we were standing by a lake, arms slung around each other's shoulders, grinning like fools at the camera. It had been taken just before the accident, a rare moment of happiness.
I picked up the frame, running my thumb over Casey’s face. “I’m gonna fix this,” I whispered to the photograph, my resolve strengthening. “Whatever it takes. I promise.”
If that meant sacrificing whatever might have been with Ricard, so be it. Some prices were worth paying.
Chapter 15
Ricard
I'd taken to having my morning coffee outside on the back patio, watching the light from the morning sun reflect off the pool, a simple pleasure I rarely afforded myself back home. In Avaline, mornings meant briefings, correspondence, and the constant, subtle pressure of duty pressing against my temples like a crown too heavy for comfort.
Here, there was only the whisper of a gentle breeze, the calls of nearby birds, and the absolute luxury of having nowhere to be and nothing pressing to accomplish. I stretched my legs out on the lounge chair, feeling the cool morning air against my skin, a pleasant contrast to the warmth that would soon blanket the Texas landscape.
My thoughts drifted to Theo. The memory of his body against mine in the darkness of the bathhouse still lingered, a phantom touch that made my skin tingle even now, hours later. There had been something primal about our encounter there, something raw and honest. When he'd recognized me, when I'd recognized him, it was as though everything else had fallen away, leaving only the two of us and the electric connection between us.
What are you doing, Ricard?
The voice of reason in my head sounded suspiciously like Sébastien's—practical, concerned, and irritatingly correct. Thisinfatuation was dangerous. Theo was employed to fulfill my desires, to create the illusion of connection and intimacy.
And yet...
A sharp electronic chime from inside the villa interrupted my thoughts. I opened my eyes, momentarily disoriented as I was pulled from my reverie back to the present. The sound came again, an incoming message alert from the tablet I'd left on the kitchen counter.
With a sigh, I set my coffee cup down and rose from the lounge chair and made my way inside, picking up the tablet from the counter. A message notification flashed on the screen from Vincent Stone.
My pulse quickened. In my experience, unexpected communications from authority figures rarely brought good news.
I tapped the screen to open the message.
Good morning, Your Grace. I apologize for the intrusion on your morning. I have some information that requires your attention. Would you be available for a brief conversation at your villa, at your convenience?
The formality of the message did nothing to alleviate my concern. Vincent was unfailingly polite, but there was an urgency beneath his words that set my nerves on edge. I typed a quick response.
Good morning, Vincent. I'm available now, if that works for you.
I sent the message, then set the tablet down on the counter, my mind racing with possibilities. Had I somehow violated one of the resort's policies? Or was it something else entirely, something I couldn't even anticipate?
