Zero had never been excited about sightseeing. Ever.

He wasn't exactly the "culture and history" type. His idea of a good time usually involved expensive cocktails, low lighting, and a basketball court — not ancient ruins and tourist groups. But Jude had looked so excited scrolling through photos of the Valley of the Temples the night before, his eyes lighting up at the thought of seeing ancient Greek ruins in Sicily. And honestly? When Jude was happy, Zero was happy.

So here they were — standing at the entrance to Agrigento, beneath the scorching Sicilian sun, waiting for the guided tour to begin.

"You sure you don't want to skip this and go back to the hotel?" Zero teased, shielding his eyes with a pair of designer sunglasses.

Jude smiled. "You promised to make memories."

"I thought that meant sexy memories."

"We've made enough of those."

"Disagree."

Jude laughed and slid his hand into Zero's. "Come on. Try to act like you're interested in something other than my ass for once."

Zero smirked. "Tough ask."

Jude's gaze softened. "You're trying. That's enough."

They had already paid for the tour tickets, which included a private guided walk through the ancient ruins. The tour started at the Temple of Hera, which was perched dramatically over the cliffside. The air was thick with heat and the scent of sunbaked earth, and cicadas buzzed lazily in the distance.

The tour group was small — maybe eight or nine people so far — which meant less chance of getting stuck behind a clueless tourist with a selfie stick.

They leaned against one of the stone pillars while they waited for the tour guide to arrive. Zero's hand was still loosely wrapped around Jude's.

"So what's the deal with this place again?" Zero asked.

Jude smiled. "It's a complex of Greek temples. Built in 500 BC."

"That's old."

"That's ancient."

Zero's eyes slid over the massive stone columns. "Okay. Points for staying power."

Jude grinned. "See? You're already appreciating it."

Zero leaned down and kissed him — a slow, lazy kiss that tasted like sunscreen and morning espresso.

"Mm," Jude murmured. "Are you sure you want to start this here?"

Zero smirked. "Why not? It's not like anyone's paying attention."

They were still smiling when the tour guide — a middle-aged Italian man with a well-worn blazer and a permanent squint — stepped forward and cleared his throat.

"Buongiorno, signore e signori!" The guide clapped his hands. "Welcome to the Valley of the Temples!"

Zero and Jude straightened, fingers still loosely interlaced.

"So far, so good," Jude whispered.

"Mm-hmm."

And that's when it happened.

A rustle of movement behind them. The sound of new arrivals.

Jude's smile faded instantly. "No."

Zero's gaze sharpened as he turned toward the sound.

Sure enough.

Daphne and Cameron Sullivan.

And, naturally, they weren't alone.

Harper and Ethan Spiller were walking just behind them — Harper already wearing a mildly pissed-off expression, Ethan looking like he was wondering how he ended up on this trip in the first place.

Daphne spotted them immediately. Her smile sharpened like the edge of a blade. "Oh! What a coincidence!"

Jude's mouth twitched. "Of course it is."

Zero's jaw tightened. "Unbelievable."

"I can't believe we ended up on the same tour!" Daphne exclaimed, her voice dripping with fake enthusiasm.

"Believe it," Zero muttered under his breath.

Jude squeezed his hand. "Don't engage."

The tour guide smiled, blissfully unaware of the hostile undercurrent settling over the group.

"Shall we begin?" the guide asked.

Daphne settled herself at the front of the group — directly next to Zero.

Zero tensed. "Oh, you've gotta be kidding me."

The guide pointed toward the nearest temple. "This is the Temple of Hera — one of the oldest temples in the complex. It was partially destroyed by an earthquake but remains one of the best-preserved structures."

Jude leaned toward Zero. "We can get through this. Just ignore them."

Zero's gaze slid toward Daphne. "Not happening."

"And over here," the tour guide continued, "you can see the remains of the altar, where offerings were left for the goddess."

Daphne leaned toward Zero. "That's interesting, isn't it?"

Zero didn't even look at her.

Daphne smiled. "It's a shame, though. Offering all that devotion — and for what?"

Zero's eyes narrowed.

"Do you think Hera was faithful?" Daphne purred.

Jude's mouth tightened.

"Or maybe she was… bored."

Zero's gaze sharpened. "What are you doing?"

Daphne's eyes sparkled. "Just making conversation."

"Don't."

"Why so tense?"

Jude stepped in. "Daphne. Walk away."

Daphne's smile widened. "Relax, Jude. We're just talking."

Zero's mouth curled into a thin smile. "You really don't know how to quit, do you?"

Daphne's gaze flicked toward Jude. "Maybe you should ask your husband why he agreed to have drinks with me."

Jude's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"

Daphne's expression softened. "Oh. He didn't tell you?"

Jude's eyes flashed. "Zero?"

"She's lying," Zero said flatly.

Daphne gasped, the picture of innocent surprise. "Am I?"

Jude's jaw twitched.

"I'm sure it was nothing," Daphne continued smoothly. "Just drinks. Just a friendly touch on the wrist. Just a little lingering eye contact—"

"Enough," Zero said coldly.

"Oh, relax," Daphne purred. "I'm sure it meant nothing. Right, Zero?"

Jude's gaze darkened. "Stop."

But Daphne's smile sharpened. "It's cute, though. Watching you two pretend like this is going to last."

The tension in the group was palpable. Even Harper and Ethan were exchanging uncomfortable glances.

The tour guide, to his credit, remained calm. "Shall we move on to the Temple of Concordia?"

"Yes, please," Jude said.

But Daphne wasn't done.

She leaned toward Harper and whispered, "I've figured it out."

Harper sighed. "Figured what out?"

"Zero's weakness."

Harper frowned. "What weakness?"

Daphne smiled coldly. "Self-sabotage."

Harper's brow creased. "What the hell does that mean?"

"It means," Daphne said softly, "that men like Zero don't know how to be happy for long. They look for ways to ruin it."

Harper's expression darkened. "That's messed up."

"Is it?" Daphne smiled faintly. "Just wait."

Jude's voice cut through the tension. "Hey, Daphne?"

Daphne turned, her expression honey-sweet. "Yes?"

Jude smiled. "You're gonna want to pay attention to the tour guide. I think he's about to say something important."

Daphne's smile faltered.

Jude stepped closer to Zero. His hand slid back into Zero's. He squeezed it tight. "Come on, babe."

Zero's mouth curled into a smile. "Gladly."

Daphne watched them walk away, her expression sharp and calculating.

"You're wasting your time," Harper muttered.

Daphne's gaze stayed locked on Zero and Jude. "Maybe."

"Or maybe…" Daphne's smile returned. "I just need to be patient."

The tour guide clapped his hands. "Shall we continue?"

Jude smiled at Zero. "Feeling cultured yet?"

Zero grinned. "Definitely."

And for the first time all day, Zero was starting to feel like they'd already won.