CHAPTER ELEVEN
REECE
Check it out, DareSquad. Maui is next level! I say, grinning to my audience. One of my favorite things about Hawaii is the insane variety of ecosystems on the island. Like right nowI pan the camera slowly, showcasing the trailwere in a straight-up jungle. I mean cmon. Tell me this isnt giving major Jurassic Park vibes.
I keep the selfie stick steady as the two of us move side by side, boots crunching softly under the packed dirt of the walkway. The hiking path snakes through towering trees, their thick branches swallowing up most of the sunlight, casting dappled shadows against the ground. The air is crisp. Wild. Alive.
I deserve a goddamn prize for keeping my eyes forward. That sprint up here nearly ended menot from the workout, but from watching my favorite parts of Cams anatomy defy gravity. My breathings finally regulated, which Im counting as a win, even if the rest of me is buzzing like a stadium under Friday night lights.
Trust me, it smells amazing, too. Likereally, really good. If someone bottled this air and sold it as a cologne, Id do brand deals for them for free. And listen I stop walking, and Cam halts beside me. Her breasts bounce slightly, and my brain records it in slow-motion.
We both hold still. Complete silence. Except the viewers can probably hear my heart hammering because she and her intoxicating coconut shampoo scent have overtaken the forest air (and my senses) .
Cam, how would you describe it?
She breathes in deep, tilting her face to the sky. So calming really peaceful.
I shift the GoPro toward her without thinking, capturing the way the filtered light catches the curve of her cheek and how her forehead does this cute crinkle as she listens.
And then, I do something stupid.
I look at her. Really look at her.
Not like a boss. Not like a guy faking a relationship for clicks. Just as a man standing beside a beautiful, forbidden woman. One he shouldnt want but definitely does.
We hope you guys feel like youre here with us, I tell the audience, forcing my voice to sound normal.
Cam glances at me out of the corner of her eye, sensing the slight tension in my words. Of course she does. She notices everything.
The trail tightens ahead, with centuries-old trees creating a natural tunnel. Their roots burst through the earth as if theyre trying to escape, while overgrown foliage blocks the path, making natures version of a ninja warrior set.
This is my element. No brand deals, no Gordon breathing down my neck.
Be careful. Theres a
Too late. Cam catches her boot on a gnarled root and stumbles forward with a sharp gasp.
Mierda!
It happens in bullet time. I dive and spin, dropping the phone and throwing myself in front of her. My arms instinctively wrap around her waist as she crashes into me.
WHUMP.
I land on my ass, the impact knocks the wind out of me, but I barely notice because Cam is sprawled across my lap, her hands braced on my shoulders, her mouth inches from mine.
I dont move. I cant move.
Her hazel eyes are widelips slightly openlike shes caught between an apology and something more dangerous. Her breath, quick and shallow, fans against my lips. My grip on her hips tightens, not because I mean to but because my fingers are staging a fucking mutiny and have decided were staying right where we are, thanks.
God, shes warm.
For a secondone long, excruciating secondI swear shes looking at my mouth. And if she is if theres even a chance shes thinking about it
Dont do it. Dont do it. Dont do it.
I want to.
So bad.
One moment. One real taste of her. To really know how she feels pressed against my lipsnot the fantasy that haunts my thoughts at two a.m.
You okay? I manage, my voice sounding as if I gargled gravel.
Yeah, she whispers. My hero.
I always knew youd fall for me eventually.
A pun? Really? She groans as she stands and brushes dirt off her legs. That was terrible.
Youre smiling though.
Im grimacing in pain.
Got any other graceful moves youre itching to try? I ask as I stand.
Depends. How many times can you play human mattress?
For you? Ill clear my schedule.
Her eyes search mine, as if shes trying to figure out if I mean it. Then Reece! You dropped the phone!
Oh shit I scramble for the selfie stick. Sorry, squad. Cam tried to high-five a tree root with her face. Dont worry, though. Your boys got reflexes.
I wouldve been fine.
I shake my head no to the fans.
I saw that! She smacks my arm. And lets be realyou werent the hero here. It was your ass. That things got perfect bounce and excellent shock absorption.
Are you objectifying my ass on livestream?
The chat lights up:
OBJECTIFIED IN 4K: BOOTY HAD IT COMING.
REECE KISS HER ALREADY.
JUST MAKE OUT OMG.
Okay fam I clear my throat, scrambling for a subject change before I make a catastrophically dumb move like actually listen to the chat. Qs get to know the woman behind the camera, the star of my dreams, the sass master herselfCamila Morales.
That earns me an eye roll. But she needs to get comfortable talking to the viewers, and she needs me to push her.
I scan the questions. Ooh, here we go. Whats your favorite thing about Reece?
His unpredictable mood swings. Its like dating a rollercoaster, without a harness.
Wrong. Its my eyes. Sorry, but there are wrong answers. Or you could have said my abs, since you cant stop staring at them.
Im staring because theres a spider on you.
WHAT?! I do a full body shimmy, and she doubles over laughing.
Made you dance!
Youre evil. Sexy, but evil. Next question I scroll through the comments. Where did you grow up, and did you like it?
New York City! And yes, I loved it. I havent been back in a while though. I really miss my family.
Maybe Ill surprise you with a visit home so I can meet them.
Her eyes snap to mine, searching for the joke.
Am I messing with her?
Huh I dont know .
Youd like to meet my family? You do realize a visit with my abuela includes force-feeding and overshares. You think you can handle that?
Sounds like a good time.
Shell try to marry us for real when she sees those abs and that Amex.
Smart woman. I like her already. And guys, Cam has a sister named Aria whos a chef in New York, I add, watching her reaction.
You remember that? She recovers quickly. Well, when were in New York, Arias opening up her own food truck. All our favorite Puerto Rican recipes. If you fly me home, well go eat there. Keep your notifications on, squad!
She flashes a smileone that says shes nailing our fake relationship performance.
I tilt her chin to meet my gaze. Wherever you feel like going, Ill take you.
She sucks in a breath. And for a solid five seconds, we drink each other in.
Careful with those promises, Dare. A girl might start believing them.
Maybe she should.
Says the man who ate the worlds hottest curries then cried for three hours.
First off, it was a heroic display of emotion. Secondly, those curries were clearly marinated in dragons breath.
Sure, blame the curry. Not your inability to handle spicy foods.
My abs and my spice tolerance are the stuff of legends!
The same six pack that got scared by an imaginary spider?
The chat crumbles into chaos:
IVE NEVER SHIPPED ANYTHING HARDER.
THE WAY HE LOOKS AT HER HOLY SHIT.
NO BUT FR, HOW DO I INSERT MYSELF IN THIS LOVE STORY?
DARE: IM A LEGEND. ALSO DARE: CRIES OVER SPICY FOOD.
Oh, heres a good onesomebody asked when you decided to become a YouTuber.
The transformation is instant and jarring. Color drains from Cams face, and shes suddenly as pale as bleached bedsheets. I dont get why the question hits her so hard, but my protective instincts surge.
Actually, I jump in, hand finding the small of her back, Cam is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, and were super lucky she joined DareProductions. Someday Cam will leave us to go make important stories about people and causes that need her. But I hope thats a long, long time from now.
Cams eyes lock on to mine, and something vulnerable flickers.
The group loudly protests:
NEVER LEAVE, CAM!!!
NOOO, REECE NEEDS YOU!
DARESQUAD WONT BE THE SAME.
Dont worry, she says, forcing a small smile. Im not going anywhere not yet .
That last part? Yeah. Not a fan of that.
I want to dig deeper, but something catches her eye.
Oh my God, wait until you see this! She grabs the selfie stick and takes off toward a break in the trees.
I run after her, but shes fast! All legs and restless energy, she kicks up dirt while her ponytail snaps like a flag in the breeze. Her laughter is a challenge, daring me to keep up. I whip into action, ready for the chase. We crash through the dense foliage, and
Damn.
Standing at the cliffs brink, the valley unfolds beneath us like a living paintingcountless shades of green below mountains that pierce the clouds. The ocean stretches to infinity, a sheet of sapphire that bleeds into the horizon. Theres an absence of human interferenceno buildings, no cars, not a hint of civilization. Pure, untamed paradise. Its as if weve stepped into a hidden corner of the world.
She pans the camera with reverent slowness. This is why they call Maui The Valley Isle.
Its humbling, isnt it? I say, my voice rough with emotion. Makes you feel small.
But in a good way, right? she continues, her gaze drifting back to the horizon, its like were all just tiny pixels in this massive, beautiful picture. When you zoom in, each pixel has its own story, its own purpose. And when we connect with others, our stories intertwine, creating something more beautiful and meaningful.
I nod, taking in her words.
Its why I love making documentaries. Our lives are these intricate patterns, and every person we meet, every connection we make, adds a new thread to the tapestry. And even though were small, our impact is immense.
Her philosophy hits me hard, stirring a sense of purpose and connection. In this vast, untouched oasis, yes the stunning view steals my breath, but even more, its her. The way she sees the world, the depth of her heart, and the quiet strength of her spirit. Shes a force of natureas captivating as this vibrant, untamed landscape.
I need you to know, I say quietly, theres no way I couldve managed these last few years without you. Even now, I Im glad youre here.
Cams eyes study my face, and I hold my breath, terrified of what I might be revealing. But I cant look away. She stands framed by the sweeping vista behind hera living metaphor of all the untapped possibilities she makes me believe in.
Im flooded with emotion. It hits me. Could we make something work between us? Does she feel this too? This woman stayed by my side, offering support despite me being a complete jerk. Another truth slams into me: Shes more than someone I care aboutshes someone I trust.
And in my world of fake relationships, greedy users, and staged content, trust is rarer than authentic comments on YouTube.
Actually, Reece, she starts, her voice wavering slightly, Ive been meaning to ask you. I was um, hoping
No. Shes doing that thing withdrawing bottling herself up. I reach for her hand, wantingneedingto help her through whatever this is. My fingers barely graze hers when
Blazey, slow down, you animal! Youre gonna drop me again! Astrids voice shatters our bubble like a hammer through glass.
Yo, we gotta see that waterfallits gonna be so sick! Blaze calls back.
Cam and I jump apart, eyes wide.
Shit, we gotta get there first! She takes off running. Come on!
I follow, but not before stealing one last glance at the stunning view. An idea stirs. My life might be in a tailspin, but maybejust maybeI can help Cam make her dream happen.
***
Oh, for fucks sake, look at her ass .
Cam hooks her thumbs into her belt loops, shimmies out of her sinfully short denim shorts, and Im salivating. My eyes are bulging out like a cartoon dog, all because of one perfectly executed strip-tease that I knowI fucking knowwasnt even for me.
And yet, my dick is standing at full attention as if she just gave me a lap dance.
Because Camila Morales is wearing a red thong bikini bottom.
Thong.
Why is she doing this to me?
This is it. This is how I die. Not from a stunt gone wrong. Not from one of Blazes genius ideas. Nope. Death by Cams ass. Melting my brain down.
That baby deserves a spot in a virtual museum; her derriere is next-gen art. The kind of masterpiece that would make AI artists retire all other models because theyve found the ultimate muse.
She does this little bounce-and-wiggle to adjust her ponytail with her sexy scrunchie, and I swear my soul leaves my body. Then when she bends to stuff her shorts into her backpack my brain sends emergency signals to my cock. Houston, we have liftoff!
I wonder which of these trees would best support her weight while I
What the actual fuck, Dare? This day is supposed to be about empowering her. Building her confidence. Not mentally calculating load-bearing capacities of tropical foliage because you cant keep your dick in your pants.
Earth to Reece? She waves a hand in front of my face. Want me to hold the camera while you strip down to your board shorts?
Little Reece to Big Reece. Incoming message! She asked you a question, dipshit.
Yes, uh, yeah, cheers, great, thanks.
Stellar response. Just hand her your ever-present filming rod, you moron.
Cam bites her lip, a way-too-amused glint in her eye.
She knows.
She fucking knows.
DareSquad, feast your eyes on this! She stretches the selfie stick out over the edge, giving viewers a vertigo-inducing shot of the falls.
The water thunders down like God himself turned on the worlds biggest shower, crashing over rocks carved by mythical giants. White spray explodes everywhere, creating a constant rainbow mist. Vines cling to the cliffside, their emerald-green tendrils swaying in the humid breeze. This place is otherworldly, a miracle.
The pool below? Straight-up turquoise magic. So clear you could probably read a book through it. The whole thing is ringed by rocks wearing fluffy moss coats and decorated with wild orchids that you would think were placed there by a Hollywood movie set designer.
Can you hear this monster? She holds the phone closer. Its like standing next to a jet engine. My whole body is vibrating!
I watch her work the camera, talking directly to the audience without me, and something warm spreads through my chest. I was right. She was made for this.
Hey, Dare! she shouts over the roar. Temperature predictionrefreshing splash or a cold kick to the balls?
No idea. I hope its freezing. So my cock forgets how much it wants her.
Well gang, were about to find out together! Although She peeks beyond the cliff again. Thats definitely higher than what it looked like on Google Maps.
I join her at the edge, and suddenly every survival instinct I possess starts signaling internal alarm bells as if its a freaking fire drill. My brain flashes back to that ominous sign at the trailheadthe one with the waterfall image with the skull and crossbones.
Uh, Cam? I dont know if this is such a great idea. Thats thats a lot of down between here and there.
She snorts. Okay, yeah, right. Wait. Are you serious right now?
I just Whos to say if its safe for you to jump. I think you should
Oh hell to the no. The guy who literally tied me to a bungee cord and launched me off a bridge for the Will This Kill Us? video. You think this is too dangerous?
I open my mouth. Nothing comes out.
Cam takes a step closer. Do not start with that overprotective machismo crap, Dare. Or did you forget about Jamaica? You know, when your genius self belly-flopped from fifty feet up and I had to fish your unconscious ass out of the water while still holding the camera steady?
Yeah, well, that was different. That was before the thought of you getting hurt made me want to build a fortress of bubble wrap around you and hire a squad of superheroes as your personal security detail.
Ive spent my entire career laughing in the face of danger. Heights? Just another Tuesday. Wild animals? Bring it on. But this is different. This fear is foreign. Overwhelming. Bone-deep terror.
Picturing something bad happening to Cam feels like someone reaching into my chest and trying to rip out my fucking heart.
I swallow the lump in my throat. Lets hike down to the bottom. Could be fun? Lots of walking and safety?
Oh, thats cute. She pats my chest. You want to take the scenic route? Maybe stop for a snack? Sing to all the woodland creatures on the way down?
I scowl. Im serious.
So am I. How about you take your little leisure stroll and enjoy the show from down there?
Shit. The livestream. Our audience:
MOMMY AND DADDY ARE FIGHTING.
Protective Reece is making me feel things.
JUMP CAM, JUMP!
Shes not your property!
If this is about her thong, blink twice.
Oh, good. The internet thinks Im a joy-blocking control freak.
The determination blazing in her eyes tells me Im fighting a losing battle. I could throw down the authority cardplay the boss anglebut that would only make her more likely to do something reckless the instant I turn my back.
Fine. I snatch the selfie stick. But Im jumping first. When I decide its safe, then you can jump.
Whatever you say, boss. She crosses her arms under her chest, giving her cleavage an extra boost thats impossible to ignore. Talk about a power move.
Focus, dammit. Someones gotta protect those magnificent boobs, and apparently, today that someone is me.
I edge closer to the drop, mentally calculating trajectories. The water below is crystal clearthank fuckmaking it easy to spot the deepest section. My eyes scan for any hidden rocks, debris, or other threats. The darker blue patches signal deeper waters, so I map out the safest entry point with military precision.
Listen I turn back to her. You dont jump unless I give the all-clear. Got it?
She rolls her eyes but doesnt argue.
Squad, I do tons of stupid shit on this channel, but quick PSAIm a professional stunt person, and I take safety very seriously. Please, for the love of God, dont try this at home. Unless you want your mom to hunt me down and shave off my eyebrows.
I take off running.
The ground flies beneath my feet.
My blood pounds in my ears.
The edge is thereone final stepthen nothing.
For a split second, I am weightless.
The wind tears at my skin, ripping through my hair, rushing past my ears with a deafening roar. My stomach lurches as my body surrenders to the fall, gravity yanking me toward the water below.
WOOOOOOOO!!!
SPLASH.
The impact is a freight train slamming against my feet, water engulfing me, swallowing me whole. Cold. Sharp. Invigorating. My body surges to life, muscles tightening, lungs burning for air.
I kick up hard, breaking the surface with a gasping inhale, my body shaking from the rush.
Still got the camera. Hell yeah!
Above me, I see Cams face peering over the edge, ponytail blowing in the breezeshes a goddess surveying her kingdom.
How was it? she yells.
Well, I dont usually say this, but keep your legs closed upon entry.
She laughs, asking, Is it cold?
You might want to give your nipples a pep talk first!
What is it with you and my breasts?
Yeah, lets not unpack that particular obsession right now.
Jump EXACTLY where I did! I swim to the side. I mean it, CamRIGHT here!
I heard you the first time, pendejo!
Before I can protest further, shes already running. I hold my breath. She launches herself off the cliff, arms stretched, body sleek and powerful, her hair whipping behind her. Her battle cry echoes off the rocks as she arcs through the air. Shes a damn action movie heroine.
SPLASH!
She surfaces with a gasp. Holy shitballs, thats cold!
Warned you. My eyes automatically drop to her chest andyep, those nipples are standing at attention. I jerk my gaze away before she catches me being a perv. Real classy, dude.
What do you think, fam? She grins at the fans. Should we go again?
I search for an ally in the chat like a fool:
YESSS DO IT AGAIN!
Cam youre a badass!
Marry me Cam! Ill treat you better than Reece!
Shoot your shot bros, shes too good for him!
Guess youve got some competition, Dare. She smirks then starts swimming toward the rocks, her powerful strokes cutting through the water with practiced ease.
I dont just follow. Im a goddamn hawk watching every movement.
She hauls herself up, water cascading off her skin like something out of a Sports Illustrated photoshoot. The rocks are slick with algae, treacherous under her feet. Once again, every cell in my body screams to protect her.
Maybe I should go first
She whirls on me. If you dont knock off this suddenly overprotective caveman routine, I will personally introduce your balls to these very pointy rocks. If youre so worried about my safety, stay below to catch me if I fall. Now come on!
A shriek splits the air like a banshee with a megaphone.
BLAZE! STOP! PUT ME DOWN! NOOOOOOO!
I swing the camera to catch my former best friend holding my ex-fianc, who thrashes in his arms, as they leap from the cliff in one chaotic lurch.
Woo-hoo! and Whhyyyyyy! fill the air.
SPLASH.
When they surface, Astrids makeup resembles a raccoon who climbed out of a washing machine.
MY LASHES! My extensions! Do you know how many vape pens I had to sell to pay for these?! She thrashes in the water like a mermaid with aquaphobia. How am I supposed to film now? I look disgusting! This water is gross! Everything is RUINED!
Bro! Blazes face lights up when he spots me. Did you see that epic entrance?
Yeah man, but I nod toward the cliffs. Youve got a problem. Theres only one way outta here UP.
Astrids shriek can be heard on the next island over. Are you freaking kidding me? I have to climb those rocks?
Good luck with that crisis. I smirk. Its pretty obvious who got the better gal.
Its nice to see the fans agree with me:
Is that Astrid or a WET DOG?
Reece, buddy, you really dodged a bullet.
Karmas a b*tch and so is she!
Bro definitely upgraded with Cam.
I gaze up, and Cams already halfway up the rock wall.
Does she ever wait?
Shoving the filming stick into the holster Im carrying, I grab the first rock and start climbing.
Every muscle in my body reminds me to lock in on the rocks (and only the rocks) above me. The grip. The next handhold. The safe foothold
But my stupid eyes betray me instantly. When I glance up, her booty moves in hypnotic motion. Im blinded by that ass-terpiece. With each step, her butt cheeks clench that wet string that connects to a whisper of fabric covering her pussy.
Fuuuccckkkk me.
Her thighs flex, calves tightening as she hoists herself onto the next ledge. Her hips curve, twisting with each step, and Im entranced by her ponytail thats sticking to her sweaty, damp neck.
Focus on the rocks. The rocks are your friends. The rocks dont make you want to hump them silly.
I climb faster, gritting my teeth.
We make it to the top just in time to witness Blaze pushing Astrid onto the ridge like hes trying to load an angry cat into a carrier.
MY NAIL! This is YOUR fault!
We gotta hurry, babe! Blaze bounces on his toes. So we can jump again!
We are NOT jumping again, you walnut! And when we get back to the resort, you are in SO much trouble!
Blaze grins widely. You mean like hate sex? That sounds hot!
Astrid lets out a deep groan as if shes summoning the underworld.
Cam adjusts her skimpy bikini top dont look, dont look, absolutely DO NOT look and reaches for the phone.
My turn to film.
Ill make you a deal. You can have the camera if I can hold your hand and we jump together.
She eyes me suspiciously, but I catch a hidden smile. Fine.
Her hand slides into mine, warm and small but strong. We back up together. Ready?
She squeezes my hand. We run. We leap. We fly.
SPLASH!
The cold is a shockwave ripping through me, but when I break the surface, Im grinning. Hard.
Cam swipes the dripping strands from her face, laughing, breathless, holding the streaming device up triumphantly.
Shes so goddamn beautiful. Flushed. Excited. Totally unguarded.
That was amazing! she gasps.
Then I panic. Because something is missing.
Something important.
Something red.
Shit. Cam? Wheres your top?
I pull her against my chest, shielding her from millions of prying eyes. The feeling of her bare breasts pressed against me is torture. Her hardened nipples graze my skin like tiny sparks of electricity, her mouth almost touching mine as we tread water. Even with the waterfall roaring behind us, I swear I can hear her quick, shallow breaths. Despite the cold water, the heat of her body bleeds into mine, and something inside me just snaps.
I kiss her.
Two fucking years of longing and holding back, of telling myself noI finally taste her. We bob in the water, and I kick harder to keep us steady as her lips crash into mine. Its like discovering fire. This is why lips were invented.
She makes this tiny gasp of surprise against my mouth, but then her lips part for my tongue, and her free arm clutches the back of my neck, pulling me closer.
My fingers tangle in her wet hair, tilting her head to deepen the kiss, to taste more, to devour. I pour every ounce of pent-up desperation into her. Water splashes wildly as we kiss and kick, frantic and breathless. I should slow down. I should be gentle. But then she wraps a leg around my waist, using the waters buoyancy to press herself flush against me, grinding directly onto my now painfully hard cock.
The moan she releases is filthy perfectionhalf surprise, half needand it shoots through me like my blood is now lava. My hand finds her ass under the water, gripping, guiding her movements as she rocks against my shaft. Our legs tangle as we try to stay afloat, but I dont care if we sink to the bottom of this pool.
I kiss her how I want to fuck herhard, fast, devastating
Bro, get it! Blazes voice shatters the moment.
Reality crashes in. Were not alone.
Im still treading water and supporting her with one arm when I pull back, and my heart plummets at her expression. Her eyes are wide, shocked, but theres something else in her gazeconfusion, vulnerability, the slightest bit of panic.
Like I just crossed a line. One we cant uncross.
Shes in complete and utter disbelief. And I hate that I did this to her.
I grab the selfie stick, my hand shaking as I check the screen. Fuck me sideways. The chat is moving so fast, its just a rainbow blur. The viewer count sends ice through my veins: fifty million. I kill the stream without even saying goodbye.
The whole damn internet just watched me maul my employee like a pent-up teenager. The one woman who was supposed to stay firmly in the do not touch category. Shes your fake girlfriend. FAKE!
Way to go, dickhead.
You were supposed to make things up to her, not make out with her.
But Jesus Christ, those lips. Those little whimpers she makes. The way she tastes
No. Mistake made. Lesson learned.
Pull your shit together. Keep your fucking distance. This cant happen again.