years, my life revolved around Avenues The World School, where I spent my days
dominating the volleyball court and running track. I loved my time there, but after
graduation, I decided to defer college for a year to travel and regroup. I didn't want a
boyfriend; I loved my freedom too much and wanted to stay entirely concentrated on
my education. Of course, I dated from time to time. There was one guy, Miguel—a
football player who had been in my life for as long as I could remember. Our families
were incredibly close, and we essentially grew up together. I always thought there was
nothing serious between us. At least, that's what I chose to believe.
The night before my flight to Europe, I called my best friend, Kimmy, who was
joining me on the adventure. Since both of our parents were escaping New York for
the summer—hers traveling out of town and mine heading to the Hamptons—we
decided she would stay at my house so we could leave for the airport together.
When we finally touched down at Rome Fiumicino Airport, exhaustion hit me like
a wave. I couldn't wait to check into Six Senses Rome, a stunning luxury hotel that held
some of my favorite childhood memories. After a much-needed nap and a long, hot
shower, the night called to us. We grabbed a bite to eat and headed straight for the
Wisdomless Club. It’s an intoxicating place—a historic 16th-century palace that
functions as a high-end cocktail lounge, an art gallery, and a professional tattoo parlor
all at once. As a lover of art, the atmosphere consumed me, and I already knew I’d be
returning before the trip was over to get some ink.
Days blurred together in a beautiful haze of incredible food and sun-drenched
water. Eventually, we decided to tackle the Selvaggio Blu, a notoriously brutal hike. It
was easily one of the hardest things I had done in a long time, but the sweeping,
rugged views of the coastline were breathtaking.
The real shift happened on our way down the mountain.
My legs were trembling, completely giving out from exhaustion, when my foot
caught on a stray rock. I tripped, bracing for a hard impact, but instead, I plunged
straight into the arms of a stranger. He had been trail running, moving so fast and
silently through the wilderness that I hadn't even seen him coming. He was shirtless,
his skin slick with sweat, and my face ended up planted directly against his firm
stomach. I flushed hot with instant embarrassment. Kimmy was giggling in the
background, though she tried to mask it with concern.
The man gently guided me down to sit on a nearby rock, his touch lingering just a
second too long. He was strikingly tall, with midnight-black hair and ocean-green eyes
so piercing they felt heavy, almost possessive, as they swept over me.
"Take it easy," he said, his voice a low, smooth purr that sent a sudden, phantom
chill straight down my spine. "Rest a moment."
"Jackline," I managed to breathe out, my heart hammering against my ribs—and
not just from the near-fall. "Nice to meet you."
He introduced himself as Caleb. After ensuring I was truly alright, he continued on
his way, disappearing back into the rugged terrain. We eventually made our way back
too, but as the shadows began to fall over the evening, I found myself completely
unable to shake him from my mind. He was painfully handsome, and his skin was
covered in dark, intricate tattoos that looked like living art. It was a mesmerizing
image—and a warning my instincts told me not to ignore