Chapter 510

"Thank you," Maeve said, her eyes sincere. "About last time… a letter wasn't enough. I need to apologize in person."

Zephyr blinked. "Letter? What letter?"

"The apology I put in your suit jacket pocket," Maeve mumbled, scratching her cheek. "You didn't see it?"

Zephyr was silent. He hadn't worn the jacket since.

Maeve waved a hand. "Good. In-person's better anyway. I wanted to apologize last time, but…"

"It's okay," Zephyr interrupted, shaking his head. "No harm done."

"My grandfather was hospitalized. Emergency. I had to rush back," Maeve explained. "I’m so sorry."

"How is he?"

"Much better. Still recovering. Thanks for asking."

Zephyr's gaze softened, a gentleness reminiscent of their first meeting. The distance felt gone. She liked the Soar family. Zephyr was a gentleman, Alexis approachable despite his stardom. Gale, though… she couldn't quite figure her out.

Following Zephyr, Maeve headed toward the lake. The fishing competition was over. Byron, remarkably successful, had two nearly overflowing buckets.

"Mr. Soar, I should go," Maeve said, pointing. "Have a wonderful time. Let me know if you need anything."

Zephyr turned, his expression serious. "I'm here with my family. I'm not married."

"Oh, sorry."

"It's fine. See you," Zephyr said.

"Okay."

He left, his left hand instinctively clutching his elbow, his face pale, beads of sweat on his forehead. A faint scent of blood lingered in the air.

Chapter 410

The evening air buzzed with the happy sounds of the camp. Grilled fish perfumed the night. Children danced and sang around the bonfire. Someone called for Theo, the school's singing champion, to perform. Children who'd heard him before grumbled, but the others cheered.

Emboldened by his pen pal's encouragement, Theo grabbed his microphone and pulled Will into a performance. Will, resigned, brought out his meditation drum. Unnoticed, Maeve and Byron slipped away.

The forest whispered secrets. Cicadas buzzed, insects chirped, owls hooted. It was the kind of atmosphere perfect for romantic moonlit confessions.

But Maeve’s back ached against a tree trunk, Byron’s arms tight around her waist, his scent filling her senses. This was risky; they were close to the camp.

Her fingers dug into his shirt, her heart pounding.

"Why are we hiding?" Byron panted, releasing her lips slightly. His eyes burned into hers. "Not even a little interest?"

Maeve’s face flushed crimson. She couldn’t meet his gaze.

"Interest?" she stammered. The rough bark of the tree was a constant reminder of her precarious situation.

Byron’s voice, husky and low, shattered her composure. "If I can't have you… can't I at least kiss you?"

His lips found hers again, silencing her protest. He knew exactly how to tease, how to make her surrender. It was just a kiss, but under his touch, it felt far more intense than any actual sex. She melted into his arms, whimpering softly.

Chapter 510 (continued)

A nearby voice cut through the night.

"Why are we here?"

"Perfect opportunity. Don't you want this?"

"You're terrible!"

Rustling followed, the sound of clothes shifting. Maeve and Byron froze, eyes locked.

Maeve’s face burned. Her eyes darted nervously.

Byron chuckled, a low, sexy sound.

Maeve pinched him. "Why are you laughing?"

"At you," Byron whispered in her ear. "You can't even handle their noises."

"You're the one who can't handle it!"

Her voice was louder than she intended.

"Who's there?" a voice called.

More rustling, then approaching footsteps. Maeve's eyes widened, silently questioning Byron. Discovery would be mortifying. And considering the couple's location, they might assume the worst.

They quickly moved to another tree, expecting to catch the eavesdroppers, but found nothing.

"No one," one voice said.

"I told you. Probably wind. Disappointing!"

"Baby, I'm sorry. Kiss me again..."

Hidden behind a tree, Maeve listened, speechless. "Is it really that exciting to do it outside?" she thought. "What kind of kink is that?"