Page 93 of Modern Romance May 2026 Books 5-8
“You’re off for the rest of the week.”
I nod again. I need quiet. Peace. I wish I was somewhere I could walk outside without paparazzi lurking, but maybe I’ll just spend the week in the penthouse.
“How about a few days in France?”
I glance at Aiden. “Did you say France?”
“Yes. I have a villa outside Cassis near Calanques National Park. It’s on its own peninsula with a private beach. No tourists, no prying eyes. Then we’ll continue on to Venice.”
I barely hold back the hysterical laugh bubbling in my throat. In the span of two days, I’ve entered into a fake engagement with my boss who once told me the idea of marriage was “unpalatable,” moved into his ultra-luxury penthouse, and just had my photo taken byGildedfor a magazine spread. Now Aiden is suggesting we jet off for Europe.
It’s insane.
Aiden pulls out his phone, taps the screen and hands it to me. The villa is stunning. Two stories of ivory white with massive swaths of glass and stone columns holding up the walk-around balcony that surrounds the entire second floor of the house. The picture was taken at dusk, the rooms inside glowing gold and giving me a glimpse of the living room with its soft gray couches and the kitchen with its dark wood accents. A pool runs the far length of the yard with what looks like an infinity edge.
“You can see the bay from the pool.”
I stare at it. It looks like heaven. But am I just running away?
“I know the last two days have been a lot. It’s a good idea to go somewhere we can have privacy and get to know each other outside the office. Give ourselves a chance to breathe and come to terms with what’s happened and what we’re facing over the next few months.”
He makes it sound perfect. But what will it be like, I wonder, to be secluded with Aiden Hawke? I’m in shock right now. Exhausted. But I still remember the chemistry between us during the photo shoot, the heat burning through me when he pressed himself against me. Will we both give in? And if we do, will I be able to pick up the pieces after?
Oh, dear God, stop!That’s not what I need to focus on right now. Aiden has always held to his personal rules and guidelines. Yes, he’s attracted to me. But that doesn’t mean he’s going to act on it, and I sure as hell am not instigating anything.
“That sounds nice.”
Aiden stands. “I’ll make the arrangements.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, but he’s already left the room.
I turn and stare out over the city. I overcame the odds before. I’ll do it again. And this time, I vow, I will leave with my heart and dignity intact.
Chapter Eight
Aiden
THE WATER OFthe Mediterranean is so blue that it almost hurts to look at it. I come to the villa so rarely that the sight of the waves meeting the paler sky never fails to impress me.
This morning, however, I only give the water a passing glance. No, my attention is fixed on the woman lying on a chaise longue on the balcony. She’s dressed in one of her new outfits: navy shorts with gold buttons and a loose white shirt tucked into the waist. One long leg is crossed over the other, sunglasses shielding her face.
We touched down at the Marseille Provence Airport five hours ago. The flight was quiet. Seraphina gave the hand-stitched Italian leather seats and polished ebony wood accents a quick look before settling down on one of the couches and falling asleep, waking an hour before we landed. I had my stewardesses prepare her a light but nourishing breakfast—herbal tea, white peach slices and soft-boiled quail eggs. Seraphina had forced a smile and thanked them, even made light conversation.
She never ceases to impress me with her ability to engage with anyone, to make them feel heard. It’s one of the qualities I’ve always valued in her as a secretary, especially because I don’t always exhibit traits like patience. But as I watched her, I realized I’ve come to appreciate those aspects of her myself. When I ask her to be my sounding board, she listens. Gives me feedback, even when it isn’t what I’ve always wanted to hear. Perhaps that’s why I’ve been tempted to confide in her these last few days. That, and the weight of everything pressing on my shoulders.
I shake my head. Yes, there’s a lot riding on this. But right now, that’s not my focus. My focus is making sure Seraphina is okay and that yesterday’s debacle won’t have a lasting effect.
When we landed, the limo ride was less than an hour to the villa. I didn’t bother with a tour—we could take care of that later. I pointed out the kitchen since she’d only picked at the food on the plane, then took her straight up to her suite.
It’s been five hours. Between the travel and the engagement and Dylan’s nasty questions, it’s understandable that she would be sleeping. But I need to see her, need to lay eyes on her and make sure she’s all right.
“I’m awake.”
Her voice is soft, a touch more life to it.
“I knocked a couple of times. I wanted to check on you.”
“Thank you.” She turns her head and gazes out over the water. “It’s beautiful here.” Her breath comes out in a long, slow exhale. “Thank you for letting me just be for a bit.”
