Mathilda’s POV

I never even expected to get Fredric’s permission — or maybe I should rephrase that: I never expected to have the courage to even ask him if I wanted to go with Frank.

Time barely matters anymore. If Frank and I could spend the evening together, maybe I’d stay a little longer.

I still remember the thrill that ran through me when Frank asked if I wanted to explore the island and find a new place to stay. No man had ever asked me something like that before — it felt like a once-in-