Page 75 of Take Me Under

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Serena

Gravel crunched beneath my feet as I walked toward my workshop. The sun had barely peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow that promised a beautiful day. The morning air was crisp, and I shivered as I zipped up my old work sweatshirt. The cold wouldn’t last. Within the hour, the heat from the furnace would chase away the remnants of the dawn’s chill, leaving only the dry, suffocating warmth that came with molten glass.

I stepped into the workshop, inhaling the familiar scent of ash, metal, and charred wood. It was comforting and grounding. My space. The furnace sat silent for now, its massive structure looming in the room like a sleeping beast. I moved to it automatically, checking the temperature gauge before flipping the switches that would bring it back to life.

A low hum filled the workshop as flames ignited behind the heavy steel doors. Soon, the heat would build to nearly twothousand degrees, and I could begin work. While I waited, I tied my hair back, looping the long tresses into a loose ponytail, and began clearing a workspace.

The glass dust and stray shards from my last session needed sweeping, and my tools needed organizing. I wiped down the marver table so the smooth surface was ready to shape and cool hot glass. I checked my blowpipes, making sure the punty rods were still in good shape. It was a meditative process, and the rhythm of preparation helped quiet my mind, letting me drift as I moved around the workshop.

I paused by the display shelf near the back where some of my older pieces sat. I studied a delicate glass rose, a twisting ribbon of bright pink. Its petals were so thin, they looked like they might shatter with the slightest touch. That particular freeform piece had taken me weeks to perfect.

Then, there was the one I always lingered on—a simple glass heart, smooth and clear except for a thin crack running through its center. I ran my fingers over it, the flaw catching against my skin. Imperfect and beautifully broken. I’d created it the day I had found out Cade was cheating on me with Briana. While I liked to think I’d moved on from that painful part of my life, the glass heart reminded me to never forget—and to never again love so freely.

With a breath, I straightened and turned back to my workbench, my mind shifting to what came next. I thought about the gallery in Florence, and the sort of pieces they preferred. They had specifically requested something unique, and unlike anything else I’d given them. An idea had been simmering in my mind since the moment I’d read their letter, but now, I finally settled on it.

I would create a swan, its wings stretched wide, frozen in that moment just before flight.

I could already envision the delicate curve of the neck and the feathered detail of its wings. It would be a challenge, but thatwas the beauty of glass. The push and pull between control and chaos, between what I saw in my mind and what the heat and fire would allow, was unlike anything words could describe. If I did it right, the piece might catch a pretty penny.

I began sketching the first lines of the design, losing myself in the drawing and not paying attention to the time. The gentle purr of a car engine coming from outside pulled me from my concentration. I glanced up at the clock. It was nearing noon. My heart skipped a few moments later when I heard footfalls outside the workshop.

Anton.

I wiped my hands on my jeans and headed for the door to greet him. I watched his approach through the side window, and my pulse kicked up another notch despite myself. My stomach tightened, my lust for him always simmering just below the surface.

He hadn’t called or texted to say he was on his way. He simply arrived, unannounced and right on time, carrying that effortless confidence that said he expected to be welcomed.

And may the devil take me, but I was more than ready to invite him inside.

“Hey,” I said after opening the door.

“Good morning, beautiful.” He gave me a slight nod, the corner of his mouth turning up in the most delicious, lopsided smile I’d ever seen.

I glanced behind him to see Zeke standing by the car. “Zeke is welcome to come in as well,” I offered.

Anton waved me off as he stepped inside. “He has business to attend to. I told him I’d text him when we’re ready to leave.”

“Business?”

“Yes. I’ve asked him to research a few things.”

“Oh? A lead on more ancient coins,” I suggested, my tone teasing.

“Something like that.” His reply was vague, as if no furtherexplanation were needed. I frowned and was about to prod further, but he brushed past me and walked toward the table. After removing his jacket, he pulled an envelope from the inside pocket and placed the contents on the table. “The contract. I figured we could get this out of the way first.”

I glanced down at the single sheet of paper before me, then frowned when I saw what was written on it.

“What are the terms? This only asks for bank details.”

“There are no terms. I can’t force you to spend thirty days with me. I’m just going to trust you to keep your word. All I need is your bank information for the wire transfer.” Pausing, he pointed to a section on the paper. “Once you fill this out, I’ll have Zeke handle the rest. The transfer will be instant.”

I blinked, confused about the situation. I struggled to find words, unable to do anything but stare at him.

“You’re serious?” I finally asked.

Anton’s expression didn’t waver. “I don’t say things I don’t mean.”

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