Rough Waters: 1. The Storm Moves In

The roar of the waves echoed against the cliffs as Ivy’s car wound its way up the winding road to the mansion. Rain pelted the windshield, and the wind whipped the palm trees into frantic motion, but Ivy barely noticed the storm outside. Her chest felt tight, nerves fraying at the thought of spending the weekend with him—Jace.

Her mother’s voice had sounded so cheerful over the phone. “He’s… different now, Ivy. You’ll see. You’ll get along.”

Ivy had rolled her eyes and muttered a polite “sure,” but she knew better. She had seen the photos. Tattoos inked like dark fire across his arms, a grin that was equal parts arrogance and danger, a look in his eyes that could make even the boldest girl feel exposed. And now, she had no choice—her mother had remarried, and this sprawling beachside mansion was to be her home… at least until the storm passed.

The front door swung open before she could even reach the wet porch. He was there, as if he had been waiting, tall and unbo