CHAPTER FOUR
REECE
My vision goes red, then whiteam I blacking out? Because I cant be watching my most trusted friend swap spit with the woman who left me at the altar approximately eight hours ago.
Blaze. My fucking childhood best friend. My brother . The guy who once superglued his own ass cheeks together on a darestanding there, next to Astrid, looking like Im supposed to fist-bump him and say, Congrats, bro, you tapped that ex-fiance booty.
Why is he smiling? His arm is slung over her as if theyre a goddamn couple. This cant be real. And why does he keep acting like everythings chill? Like I knew this was coming. Like hes not twisting the knife with each stupid grin and exaggerated wink.
How long? I want to ask. How long have you been playing me, Blaze?
But all I manage is You know what, Astrid
Before I can get another word out, Cam steps in front of me, alarm in her hazel eyes.
Dont, Cam whispers. Shes filming. This is exactly what she wants.
Of course it is. Because God forbid anyone experience genuine human emotion without monetizing it first.
I grab my suitcase, ready to flee this paradise-themed torture chamber, whena wall of bronzed muscle blocks my path.
Wonderful! Everyone has arrived!
The voice is too big, too enthusiastic, and just way too much for my current mental state. My eyes snap to the source, and
Jesus. Fucking. Christ.
This manno, this Hawaiian deity is towering in the entryway like he was hand-carved from Mauis cliffs. Hes six-foot-five of pure warrior, with tribal tattoos that dance across his glistening chest. The guy makes Jason Momoa look like he needs to hit the gym. His dark hair is swept up in a man bun that would be idiotic on anyone else. On him it screams Alpha. And the guys wearing two things: confidence, and a paper-thin floral sarong barely containing his massive python.
Im not staring at his giant dick. Im NOT . But its like a solar eclipse. You know you shouldnt stare directly at it, but your eyes are drawn to the spectacle anyway.
I am Kai.
His voice is distant thunder, reverberating in my chest. He spreads his arms wide, as if expecting applause. Hell, he might get it. The two women checking in at the desk are drooling into their cocktails.
I am the owner here, and I welcome you to the Aloha Amour Resort, where desire flows like lava and love blooms eternal.
Oh, come on.
Kai strides across the opulent lobby, and as if the bulge isnt horrifying enough, it announces itself with every step. Definitely going commando under that sarong.
Mr. Dare! His smile could power the entire luxury hotel. We werent sure if you would make it. Miss Astrid said you had opted out.
I glare at my ex. Oh, shes been saying all kinds of things today.
Astrid gasps. Reece, thats so unfair! I was only trying to help
By lying? Classic Astrid move.
Kai clears his throat dramatically, stepping between us, and I swear I hear wind chimes somewhere. I sense the energy in this room needs cleansing. I am here to promote love in all manifestations, both tried and not yet experienced.
Dont, I say, cutting him off. Just dont.
His smile doesnt falter. Here at Aloha Amour, we believe in passion, connection, and renewal. I know your union did not unfold as planned, but each ending is an opportunity for a new beginning.
Beside me, Cam snorts, earning a raised eyebrow from Kai. Ah, and you, wahine, my feminine creature, he says, his tone softening. Your energy Its untapped. Wild. Waiting to be harnessed.
He takes her hand and kisses her knuckles. Cam sucks in a sharp breath, and I catch her biting her lip. I am not loving that reaction one bit.
My philosophy, the resort owner continues, his pecs somehow independently undulating, is that intimacy should never be confined by monogamy.
No shit, Captain Obvious. That thing tenting your sarong is basically a dowsing rod seeking its next spring. Stop pointing it at Camila!
Here, we honor affection in all its radiant and beautiful expressions. He glides toward Blaze and Astrid, wrapping his colossal arms around them both. Which is why for your new love match Ive arranged a special couples massage in your suite. Withhe winkshappy endings for you both.
Duuuude! You are the best! This is gonna be sick!
The blonde queen bee throws me a smug glance as she hits Record . Later, loser. Besties, dont forget to like and subscribe to see me slaying it after escaping that hot mess express! She flips her hair and shouts over her shoulder, Blazey-poo! Your queen needs her rubdown, stat!
Coming! Blaze parkours over a decorative pineapple. Later, bro!
Hes got the IQ of a corndog, but cmon. He cant really think were still best friends. Can he?
Now then, Mr. Dare. Kais voice drops an octave, making the nearby orchids tremble. While there is an abundance in love, we find ourselves limited in accommodations. Your nuptial situation has created quite the booking tsunami. The only remaining room is reserved for your videographer, the enchanting Miss Morales.
His gaze lingers on her breasts, smoldering with a heat that could melt candle wax. I was prepared to offer you this body on your first night to properly welcome you.
A dark and angry snake of possessiveness uncurls in my ribcage.
Or perhaps, he purrs, youd prefer to share my private sanctuary? Let Mr. Dare have the suite to himself?
Cams cheeks flush, and that angry snake becomes a full-blown dragon. The thought of her spending one second in this Coconut Casanovas love lair makes me want to commit crimes.
Not happening, I growl. Well take the room. Together.
He claps, and the sound is a gong striking the air, deep and commanding. Excellent! Allow me to escort you to your sex den.
Den of what now?
***
I just need sleep. Thats all. Just sweet, dark oblivion where I can pretend this whole day never happened. But as Kai throws open the door, the strong scents of pineapple, vanilla, and what Im pretty sure is aerosolized Viagra engulf me like a wave of horny air freshener.
Welcome, he purrs, his oiled chest glistening in the mood lighting, to your Temple of Tropical Temptation!
The hotel room pulses with a soft pink glow, as if the walls themselves are blushing. Genuine rainforest sounds fill the airbirds calling, water trickling, and is that Barry White remixed with a ukulele?
Oh my God, this is amazing. Cams already filming, despite her shoulders shaking as she tries (and fails) to keep a straight face. Its like a porn set had a baby with a Rainforest Cafe. Ive got the video title: I Survived 24 Hours in the Love Den.
No walls, I blurt, my voice louder than I intended. There are no walls.
Kai claps a massive hand on my shoulder. Precisely the point, Mr. Dare. Freedom! Connection! Vulnerability! Why hide from each other when you can share every moment, every sensation, with your partner?
Its unique, she says diplomatically.
Observe! Kai glides to the centerpiece of this jungle-themed fever dreama round bed that starts rotating at his approach. She awakens! Your passion playground responds to movement, to desire, to
Did you just call the bed she? I ask.
All beautiful things are femininetake your lovely camerawoman here. He winks at Cam.
The bed dominates the space, a circular monstrosity draped in red satin sheets that all but scream sex tape waiting to happen. And if thats not enough, theres a mirror the size of a satellite mounted on the ceiling, ensuring no angle is left unexplored. Because nothing says romance like watching yourself fall off this spinning teacup of a bed.
To top it all off, the pillows are embroidered with spicy suggestions. One reads Plunge Into Paradise , and another says Sweat Now, Cuddle Later , but the one Im throwing off the balcony reads, Pussy Partner.
Kai pats the mattress like a monk blessing a temple. This, he says, voice hushed with reverence, is a masterpiece of structural integrity. Designed to support every kind of unionsoft, frantic, experimentalthis bed welcomes all. Whether thats two bodies moving as one, three finding harmony, or four testing the boundaries of spatial physics. No judgment, only supportemotionally and structurally.
Reece, get in the frame, Cam says. Your expression is hilarious.
Morales, I swear to God
What? Im just getting establishing shots. Youre always telling me to be thorough.
She turns the camera back to the walking manbun. Please, please tell me there are more motion sensors.
Yes, wahine. Id be happy to show you how its done! Kai pranceslegitimately prancesthrough the space. With each movement, new features reveal themselves: hidden panels sliding open to showcase champagne, rose petals dropping from concealed ceiling compartments, massage oils that emerge from the floor like some sort of aroused dumbwaiter system.
And over here! Kai bounds across the room with the enthusiasm of a man whos never felt shame. The Swing of Sublime Surrender!
He pauses theatrically, gesturing toward what I can only describe as Satans playground equipment: a sex swing hanging from the ceiling, complete with leather straps, stirrups, and more attachment points than a NASA docking station.
Camila pans the camera to me with flair. Reece, thoughts? Care to take it for a spin?
Youre here to film, not offer commentary.
Guess Im really overachieving today.
I will gladly demonstrate, Kai says. The secret, my friends, is in the mounting.
He grabs the leather loops hanging at waist level and launches himself into the contraption like Simone Biles going for gold at the Sex Olympics. His massive body somehow gracefully settles into the seat portion, legs dangling through two stirrup-like loops, while his hands grip the upper straps.
Balance is everything, he says, adjusting himself comfortably in the suspended chair.
The hanging chair begins to rock, and his sarong starts fluttering like a curtain in the breeze, about to reveal
Code Red!
I lunge forward, positioning myself between Cam and the impending wardrobe malfunction. In my panicked rush, my right arm swings up, directly through one of the hanging loops. The leather strap immediately tightens around my forearm as I try to pull back. Shit.
Ohhhh, excellent! Kai beams. Partner play! Beautiful! Youre embracing vulnerability!
Im notthis isnt I tug at my trapped arm, which only seems to tighten the straps grip. Meanwhile, Kais sarong has fully surrendered its duty, and there he is, in all his glory, casually spreading his legs as he swings backward.
This is the Passionate Pendulum position, he announces proudly.
WHOOSH!
The momentum carries him back toward me, and suddenly Im doing an awkward limbo to avoid a face-to-face meeting with his exposed equipment. I bend backward so far my spine cracks.
Cam! I shout, twisting to see her behind the camera. Stop filming and help me!
Shes trembling with suppressed laughter, camera steady as a rock.
So help me God! I will chew my arm off to escape this.
WHOOSH!
Kai swings away again, eyeing Cam like a thirsty sniper. Would you like to join us, wahine? The Passionate Pendulum becomes the Triangle of Bliss with three!
Pass, she giggles.
I yank my arm hard, but instead of freeing myself, my elbow catches in another strap. Now Ive got two limbs ensnared, and my balance shifts precariously. My feet slip on the smooth floor, and suddenly
WAIT! I yelp, but its too late.
My feet leave the ground completely. One moment Im standing, trying to free my arm; the next Im hanging awkwardly beside Kai, my ass in his face, tilted at a forty-five-degree angle with no way to move.
Excellent initiative! Kai beams while his bamboo warrior swings freely between us. Real intimacy requires submissionI see you surrendering to my dominance. That shows trust. Tell me, Reece, what is your safe word?
Nope. Get me down . Cam, tell him!
Shes absolutely no help, her face now purple with suppressed laughter, hiding her grin behind the camera.
WHOOSH.
And now Im swaying.
My position adjusts again as Kai reaches overthankfully using his hand, not another appendageand pulls a strap near my hip. Instantly, my lower body lifts higher, my legs splaying awkwardly as I forcibly try to keep them closed.
Feel natures rhythm! Kai says, giving me a powerful push that sends me spinning like a drunk compass needle. My arm is twisted at an angle that human limbs were not designed for, while my legs dangle helplessly.
This is the Suspended Butterfly! Kai announces, pulling another strap that shoots my right leg up ninety degrees.
WHOOSH!
The momentum carries me directly toward Kais exposed anatomy. SWEET MOTHER OF I jerk my head sideways, his island flagpole missing my face by millimeters.
Mierda santa! Careful there, boss. You might poke your eye out, Cam calls out, laughing hysterically.
Stop filming! I snarl, spread-eagled in midair.
Next, we have Unlocking the Secret Chamber! Kai pulls yet another strap where are all these coming from? and now both my legs are higher than my head. The blood rushes to my brain, making the room spin even faster.
WHOOSH!
JESUS CHRIST! I crane my neck awkwardly, narrowly avoiding another face-to-face encounter with Not-So-Little Kai. The evasive movement sends me spinning wildly in the opposite direction, my body rotating like a rotisserie chicken.
Thats it! Cam cackles, capturing every embarrassing frame. Eyes wide shut, boss!
Next, the Five-Limbed Surrender! Kai announces, pulling what must be the master strap of humiliation.
One moment Im horizontal, facing up, and then Im not. My world inverts. Im fully upside down, my shirt falling over my face and blinding me just as Kai gives another push. Im disoriented. Up is down, left is right, and theres a very naked Hawaiian man in my orbit.
I cant see! I cant My sentence cuts off as I swing back, and something warm and distinctly not-a-hand brushes against my ear. OH MY GOD!
I finally free one arm, but the sudden weight shift sends me into a death spiral. The swing gains momentum, rotating and swinging simultaneously. Kai has started speaking in Hawaiian, probably blessing me with ancient love prayers. And Im ninety percent sure I just high-fived his dick.
And now for the Inverted Lotus he begins, reaching for yet another strap.
No more positions!
Reece! Wait! Cam shouts, her voice cutting through my panic. Youre about to
THUD.
The strap releases without warning, and I face-plant into the tiger-print rug below, my legs still tangled overhead in the swing, my dignity now completely extinguished.
Having fun down there? Cam kneels beside me. She turns to Kai with a straight face. Its bologna, Kai. His safe word is bologna.
I hate everything.
I want to die here.
Face-down in a sex-dungeon, a Hawaiian love gurus dong my last earthly vision, and Cams laughter as my funeral song.
And now! Kai says as he gracefully dismounts. The crown jewel of your jungle paradise!
He strides to the other side of the suite, and I follow reluctantly, already bracing for whatever fresh hell awaits.
This, Kai announces, flipping a switch to activate the jets, is the rainforest shower. The water cascades down like a natural waterfall, cleansing both body and soul. Its the ultimate paradise experience.
What I thought was a decorative rock feature is a freakin shower?! Its fully open-concept, no walls, no doorsjust smooth stones, cascading sprays, and an obscene number of tropical plants.
Cam leans forward, letting the mist flow through her fingers. Her expression softens. Its really beautiful.
Beautiful ? I echo, staring at her like shes lost her mind. Its a garden hose with no privacy.
Its freeing, she counters, stepping onto the stones. The mist clings to her hair and cheeks, making her glow under the soft light.
Instantly, my brain betrays me.
I picture her naked under the jets, water sliding over her sudsy skin, tracing every curve. Her lips moaningher head tilting back, hair dripping, cheeks flushed from the heat.
Kai pulls out a chrome spray wand hidden in the rocks. And this toy is extremely popular, for those who desire more focused connection, he says with a wink, spraying an arc of mist into the air.
Cam spins to face me, focusing her lens. Wanna test it out?
Tours over! I slam my hand on the control panel, nearly slipping on the now-wet floor.
But I havent shown you the fog machine! Or the special wand buttons! Or the vibrating
Goodbye, Kai!
I shove him out the door, his last words floating back: Remember, Miss Morales, my door is always open!
I lean against the closed door, exhausted. Behind me, the beds still rotating, Barry Whites still serenading, and for the love of God, the swing is somehow still swaying.
So which half of the sex bed do you want? She deactivates the spinning motion sensor with a swift, decisive wave.
Sex. Bed. Cam.
A three-car pileup of bad ideas. How can I not picture her sprawled across those red satin sheets?
Ill take the couch.
What couch? She does this exaggerated sweep of our surroundings with her camera, playing tour guide. Welcome to the No Walls Resort, where privacy comes to die! We have exactly one door, and She bounces over to it seriously, who has this much energy after the day weve had? and flings it open as if shes revealing a game show prize. Behind door number one Ta-da! The toilet. So, unless you want to sleep in here, the sex bed is your only option, boss.
This is hell. Actual hell.
No walls. No escape. My dicks already sending up emergency flares, and there are exactly zero private places to handle that situation.
There is no fucking way Im spending two weeks trapped in this sex den with you.
You think Im thrilled? I was supposed to have this whole suite to myself.
I choke out a humorless laugh. Right. Sorry to cockblock your plans to bang your way through the hotel staff.
Her eyes narrow, and she gives me a sweet, sarcastic smile. Id accept your apology if I thought it was genuine.
Her lack of denial shoots a nuclear blast to my brain.
Cam. In this room. Having sex. Everywhere. Images of Hawaiian men flash like a parade of shirtless assholes, each one laying claim to her in my imagination. I want to punch something. Preferably something that wears a sarong and makes bedroom eyes at my videographer.
Reece? she says, cutting through my mental rampage. We should probably establish some ground rules. Figure out the shower problem.
Shit. The shower.
I take a deep breath, giving myself a mental slap. I can do this . Fourteen days in the worlds most X-rated hotel suite with the woman whos given me inappropriate dreams since the day she walked into Gordons office. No problem.
Simply set boundaries and follow them. No touching her. No thinking about her in the bed or the shower. No imagining her nakeddripping wet with steam swirling around succulent tits I wasnt; you were.
Who said that? Anyway I nod sharply. I agree. First rule, no
My phone buzzes, and its GordonI shouldnt answer. I dont want to answer. I answer.
Gordons face is so close to the camera, I can see the dots where his hair plugs are anchored, resembling something I can only describe as forehead astroturf.
Dare! he barks, leaning back enough to reveal hes using a ring light. What the hell is going on? Astrid and Blaze? Why are you in her video entitled Falling in Love Again? Why am I finding out about this at the same time as the rest of the damn internet?
Because I was busy wrestling an anaconda on a sex swing.
Gordon blinks. Once. Twice. Then he tilts his head, and his Botoxed forehead doesnt so much as ripple. What the hell does that mean?
Youll see it in tomorrows video, I snap, already over this conversation.
Kid, this is bad. Really bad. Astrid is destroying you in the clickbait game. Youve lost over two million followers. At this rate, well have to shut down the shoe line before it launches.
My stomach drops. We cant lay off people.
Ive got a solution. And before you say anything, youre not gonna like it.
I groan. Just tell me.
Is camera girl there?
I hit him with a glare that could melt his ring light.
Sorry, sorryis Cam there?
Yeah. I glance overshes perched on the edge of a decorative boulder by the shower, eyes locked on her camera screen. Her thick chestnut waves, loose and unruly, cling to her damp skinits a gorgeous, tangled mess that I suddenly want to run my fingers through.
Cam! he yells. Come have a seat. Lets talk strategy.
I look at our options: spinning sex mattress or the Pleasure Perch that almost murdered me. Well stand.
First, Cam, legally I need to tell you that you are in no way obligated to do what Im about to propose, and I want to remind you of your signed NDA. But if you agree, it could literally save hundreds of jobs.
For fucks sake, Gordon, skip the guilt trip and get to the point.
You have to beat Astrid at her own game. He hesitates for effect. To do that, the two of you need to pretend to be a couple.
No.
Beside me, her mouth falls open. She glances at me then back at Gordon, as if shes waiting for the punchline to land.
Hear me out! Instead of the heartbreak angle, we flip the script. Surprise romance! True love was right under my nose this whole time, blah, blah, blah. Paradise brought you two together or some shit. Youve got the perfect backdrop, the perfect chemistry
What chemistry? I cut in, glowering at him.
Cams face is still locked in pure disbelief. Thats insane.
He smirks. Insane? Sure. Profitable? Absolutely. And Camila, I can sweeten the deal. A $25,000 bonus for your two weeks of lets call it romantic improv.
The mood shifts.
Her breath hitches, those gorgeous eyes lighting up like someone offered her the keys to her dreams. As a boss, its an expression Ive witnessed on countless faces.
She is definitely weighing her options.
Why is your solution another fake-dating scheme? Look where the last one got us.
The words are a live grenade hanging in the air, and I realize too late what Ive admitted. Cams sharp inhale tells me she caught itthe truth about Astrid that only a handful of people knew. That the entire epic influencer love story was another algorithm-driven business decision.
Shit.
Besides, I barrel on, trying to recover, it would never work with Cam. Shes not Astrid.
Wow. She crosses her arms. Sorry we cant all be AI-generated fantasy women. Some of us real, breathing humans prefer looking natural. You know, for the decent guys who dont need their women plastic-wrapped and filtered.
Ah, fuck.
No! Thats not I drag my hands down my face. I meant because earlier, when I was filming you, I could tell youre shy in front of the camera. The words tumble out before my brain can stop them. Its fine! Not everyone is meant to be on camera. Some people belong behind the scenes.
Her expression morphs from annoyed to lethal in zero point five seconds.
She doesnt say anything, just stares at me, her face unreadable. I start sweating.
And then
Ill do it, Gordon.
Wait, what?
Excellent! G-Thorne wants ALL the clickbait! We need thumbnail gold something thatll grab attention Like: Hawaii Love Affair with My Boss. Who Seduced Who?!
I Fell for My Grumpy Boss in Paradise! Cam adds.
I glare at her. Dont encourage him.
The Moment We Knew We Were Soulmates (SHOCKING CONFESSION)? Accidentally in Love: The Truth About Us! ORooh, okay10 Signs Im in Love with My Best Friend
Were not best friends, I cut in.
Okay, okay, scratch that one, Gordon says. But Falling for My Boss? That one has legs. Lets one-up Astrid using her own tricks. I want hand-holding, sunset walks, some waterfall action
I havent agreed to any of this, I say quickly.
Oh, and one more thing Gordons tone shifts to dead serious. No sleeping around, either of you. I cant have some random person posting a TikTok of you getting down with resort staff. Im already juggling more bad press than a Kardashian crisis manager.
Cams mouth drops open. Hold up. Youre saying I have to go two weeks without you know.
Correct, Gordon replies cheerfully. Small price to pay for $25,000.
I snort. This is what gives you pause? This is your dealbreaker?
Your concern is truly heartwarming. She rolls her eyes, muttering in Spanish.
So thats it, Gordon? I throw up my hands. No plan B? This is your only idea?
She spins on me, eyes blazing. Seriously? Im trying to help you out here, ya know. But please, continue acting like fake dating me is a fate worse than death.
Please. Youre not helping me. Youre doing this for a payday like everybody else.
Her expression crumples, and I instantly regret my words, wishing I could shove them back into my big, fat mouth.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Let me grab that door for you, boss. Or should I say boyfriend . Cams extra emphasis on the last word is as sharp as her glare.
My brain is spiraling. This is all wrong. I was making rules to keep us apart, not signing up for a two-week couples cosplay. Why does this day keep finding new ways to torture me?
Cam opens the door, and naturally, its fucking Kai.
Aloha, beautiful soul! I almost forgot to give you this welcome swag bag. He hands the gift to her, his massive fingers lingering. Its brimming with sensual treats to awaken your spirit and to inspire heated passionate moments.
Okay, well, gee thanks.
Gordons still talking, something about engagement metrics and damage control, but I dont hear a word of it. Because all my attention is locked on the scene unfolding in plain sight.
The Curator of Pleasure is very obviously flirting with Cam.
And of course he is.
Shes the hottest fucking girl at this entire resort.
Thats not even an opinion, its a fact. Like, scientifically proven. I know. Ive spent the last two years trying to ignore it.
I watch the way Kais eyes trace her lips, how he leans into her space enough to make his attraction clear. And Cam?
All smiles.
At him.
My fingers bite into my palm and I feel a slow, creeping sensation climb up my spine.
Through the static in my brain, I hear Gordon talking. Reece, buddy, this is the right move. The fans are gonna
But his words fade out because she laughs at something Kai says. Then
Cam wets her lips.
Oh, fuck no.
A territorial feeling slams through me, and then Gordons earlier words boomerang back into my head. No sleeping around, either of you.
If I agree to this scheme, then Cam cant get rammed by Kais sarong python.
Fine, I say into the phone. Fake dating. Clickbait. Whatever I need to do.
Great! I knew youd
I hang up before Gordon can finish his victory speech.
I cross the room in three strides. Thanks for the present. The door closes on the resort owners shocked face with a satisfying click, barely missing his intrusive schlong.
That was rude!
Sorry, youve got work to do. Contracts in your inbox.
She blinks, those long lashes fluttering. You agreed?
I move closer, close enough to catch the hitch in her breath. Thats right. Youre my girlfriend now, Morales.
As soon as the words leave my mouth, I know I am completely fucked.