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They share a grim silence that hurts my heart. Both women seem so genuinely kind. It’s a shame they have to hide their friendship.

“I don’t suppose you could pass along an update to my dad that you talked to me and I’m doing well?”

Sofia shakes her head, remorse drawing her brows together. “I’m sorry, but that puts too many people in jeopardy. Others can’t know I keep in contact with Michael and Evie. I really hope you can keep that confidence, as well.”

I nod readily. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to risk anyone getting hurt. I just thought I’d ask.” It was worth a try.

Sofia smiles. “I appreciate that, and it really has been wonderful meeting you. I hope I get to see you at the big birthday dinner.”

“Whose birthday?” I ask, surprised.

Sofia motions to Evie through the screen. “That beauty is turning twenty-nine.”

“Hey! Happy almost birthday!”

Evie blushes at the attention. “Thanks. I’m just glad it means getting a brief reprieve from this boat and seeing Sof.”

“Sending you big hugs, Eeves. I’ll see you real soon.” Sofia holds her hands in a heart shape.

Evie returns the gesture. “Thanks, Sof, see you soon.” The two blow kisses and end the call.

My gaze is glued to the laptop. It feels like ages since I’ve had access to my email. And here is a path to remedy that, right at my fingertips, yet out of my reach.

The bit of buoyancy I felt from the call drains from me like air from a leaking balloon.

I have devoted my adult life to a cause that is deeply personal to me. I fund and coordinate with a global search-and-rescue operation—an organization I’m in regular contact with. My financial contributions in particular are crucial when an urgent extraction is needed. The money barely puts a dent in my net worth, yet it’s vital to the survivors and those who work tirelessly to help them.

I last checked my email two days ago on the morning of the wedding. What if something’s happened since then? The people I work with have become my friends. What if they need me?

This mission has become my purpose in life. My secret purpose. It means everything to me, and if I told my father what I was doing, he’d worry about the danger. He wouldn’t stop me from giving, but he’d insist on a degree of separation between the people who run the organization and me. Therefore, I keep my involvement a secret. When I meet with the team for an annual review and a prospectus, similar to a shareholder’s meeting, I tell them I’m going on a beach vacation. The Caribbean part is true, but I don’t spend much time at the beach.

If Dad knew, he’d only see the risks involved.

For me, it’s all about the reward. Not only the lives saved, but the camaraderie I feel at knowing I’m an active part of the team. I would give anything to ensure the continued success of our work. That’s why it was essential to me that Mazzi agree to let me have my autonomy. I can handle whatever comes my way so long as I know I’m not letting down the people who matter most.

Right now, that’s exactly what I’m doing.

“What are you two up to?”

We look up to see Elio crossing the room toward us. Watching his ruggedly graceful approach takes my breath away. Like he’s some sort of gladiator or demigod. He’s wearing a black T-shirt and jeans. Something so simple, yet it allows me to see the effortless power behind every move he makes. And he’s not flashy with his prowess. It’s not there for show. His strength is honed and meticulously cultivated for survival. For dominance. He’s the king of whatever jungle he chooses.

“We were on a video call with my friend, Sofia,” Evie answers while I regain my ability to form words.

Eyes as multihued as a mid-autumn forest turn warily to me. “That right?” He’s worried I might have said something I shouldn’t.

“I was only here for the very end,” I assure him. “And Evie has been very … mindful of the situation.” I don’t want him thinking she gave me access to her computer and getting her in trouble when she’s done nothing he would deem inappropriate.

Elio gives a nod. “I saw you found my book collection downstairs.”

“Yeah, I hope you don’t mind.”

“You’re welcome to it.” He pauses as though struggling with what to say next—something he rarely does, which has me curious. “Did you see the encyclopedia volume?”

Okay, not what I expected him to say. But the strangest part is the funny tickle I feel in my brain, as though the question should mean something to me.

“Yeah, I guess I did.” My answer is uncertain because while I recall the book, I’m not sure why he’s asking.

His eyes dart from me to Evie, then away as his lips purse into a frown. “Never mind,” he says through gritted teeth before whirling and making a swift exit.