OBSESSION

TWELVE.

The lazy morning melted into the promise of the day ahead as Bethany and Logan drove down the winding coastal road. The Porsche hummed smoothly, the salty tang of the ocean filling the air as sunlight gleamed off the water.

Bethany's nerves buzzed alongside her excitement. She couldn't help fidgeting with her dress, brushing invisible lint off the terracotta fabric that hugged her curves in all the right places. The flowing maxi dress, cinched at the waist with a slim belt, complemented her warm skin tone, while her twist-out framed her face in soft, bouncy curls that cascaded to her shoulders.

"Do I look okay?" she asked, her voice betraying her nerves.

Logan glanced at her briefly before returning his eyes to the winding road. His lips curled into a slow, reassuring smile.

"Bethany, you're stunning. You'll knock them all out—though I'm not planning to share you."

Bethany laughed softly, shaking her head. "This isn't a debutante ball, Logan. I'm meeting your family, not walking a runway."

"They'll love you," he said firmly, his confidence so effortless it almost made her believe him.

When the estate came into view, Bethany's breath hitched. The sprawling coastal home stood proudly on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The pale sandstone facade shimmered in the sunlight, its terracotta roof tiles lending it a Mediterranean elegance.

Floor-to-ceiling arched windows reflected the sparkling waves, and blooming bougainvillea cascaded down the walls, adding vibrant pops of fuchsia.

As Logan pulled into the long cobblestone driveway, Bethany noticed a young man in his early twenties lounging near the grand double doors. He wore a crisp linen shirt rolled up to his elbows and khaki shorts, his dark hair tousled and his stance casual. The sight of him instantly disarmed her—he didn't exude the intimidating air she'd expected from Logan's family.

"Ah, you've got one of the greeters today," Logan joked as he put the car in park and climbed out.

The young man's face lit up when he saw Logan, and he strode over.

"Finally! Took you long enough, cuz." His gaze flickered to Bethany as she stepped out of the car. "And who's this?"

Logan moved around to Bethany's side, placing a possessive hand on her lower back. "This is Bethany. Bethany, this is Ian—my cousin and unofficial keeper of family gossip."

Bethany smiled warmly, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you, Ian."

Ian ignored her hand, pulling her into an unexpected hug instead. "Oh, we don't do handshakes here. Welcome to the chaos, Bethany."

She laughed, her nerves easing slightly. "Thanks, I think."

Ian gestured toward the house. "Come on, I'll show you inside. Everyone else is still getting settled."

Bethany followed Logan and Ian to the grand double doors, which opened into a soaring entryway. The space was breathtaking, with high, vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams. A massive wrought iron chandelier hung above, its crystal accents casting intricate patterns on the travertine floor. The air smelled faintly of salt and fresh flowers, and sunlight streamed through the large windows, bathing everything in a golden glow.

"Impressive, huh?" Ian asked, grinning as he caught Bethany's wide-eyed gaze. "Don't let it fool you. This house might look fancy, but it's mostly a trap for endless family drama."

Bethany laughed, grateful for his easygoing demeanor. "It's beautiful, though."

Logan smirked, leaning down to murmur in her ear, "Don't let him scare you. He's harmless."