Chapter 10
JARED
THREE DAYS LATER
T he next few days were a blur of filming from early in the morning until late at night.
My budget was healthy, but I still erred on the side of caution.
I had to pack as much as I could into every day, and that meant focusing on work and only work. Which was a good thing.
It meant I didn’t have time to think about my case, my stalker, or the men in my life. Well, I didn’t have time to think about it too much.
I’d wrapped up filming the office tower scenes, and I was now moving on to my most anticipated part of the filming.
We planned shoots on several nearby islands, and I couldn’t wait. Truthfully, I was ready to combine a bit of pleasure with business.
But aside from work, I was still reeling from the things I’d learned about Aiden and Alex.
And I had more questions than answers. But with my schedule, and Aiden preferring to take his late dinner in his cabin these past few days, I’d hardly seen him, never mind talked to him.
Alex was quiet too, reverting to his usual stoic mode.
It was almost like the other night had never happened. And it didn’t sit right with me.
Today was my day off, and I was determined that Aiden and Alex would get one too.
And so I found myself in front of Aiden’s door at eight in the morning. I knocked twice and waited.
No response.
“I know you’re in there, Aiden. Alex and I are heading to Ko Samet today to scope it out. Come with us.”
Aiden finally opened the door, wearing navy shorts, a grey tank top, and a grumpy expression. He looked as tired as I did, with deep circles under his bright hazel eyes.
“I can’t afford to go gallivanting around. I’m expecting several important emails today, and the case is…”
“It can wait for a few hours. You have your phone if there’s anything urgent,” I reasoned. “Everyone needs a break, including you. We’ve got a private beachside villa booked. Sun, sand, swimming. Let’s go.”
Aiden sighed. “All right. I’ll meet you on deck in ten minutes.”
I turned away as he closed the door with force, the sound echoing in the hallway. I didn’t care how grumpy Aiden was, I’d gotten my way.
I smiled and whistled a tune.
I texted Dylan too, to see if he wanted to join us. He said he had a headache and preferred to stay on board.
I was scouting Ko Samet to ensure the location was perfect, since we’d be spending a week here. Now, Voyager was docked offshore and, despite the short distance to Bangkok, it felt like a world away.
The reality of the area was far better than the pictures I’d seen and articles I’d read.
The water was a beautiful emerald color, calm and clear, and the island was busy but not packed like the urban jungle we’d left behind. Thankfully we were here at the end of the high season, so there were less tourists.
But the temperature was a scorching ninety-three degrees Fahrenheit today and with the humidity it felt closer to a hundred. I couldn’t wait to enjoy a cool dip in the ocean.
Standing on the bridge deck aft in my linen shorts and shirt with my straw hat on, I watched Charlie get the tender ready.
Jana had kindly booked us a private villa on the beach. The rental house included a catered lunch, but Jana had also prepared a bag with sunscreen, water, and snacks, just in case.
I made a mental note to give each staff member on board a special gift for their incredible service.
A minute later, Kiernan and Alex joined me, decked out in shorts and t-shirts with wraparound sunglasses.
And finally, Aiden arrived in the same outfit from before but with the addition of a straw fedora, tilted at a rakish angle. He suited hats. And with his auburn hair, I suspected he’d burn very easily without one.
My stomach fluttered with excitement as I thought about having a whole day to relax and recharge.
And with my favorite men.
Friends. Favorite friends…who happen to be men. That I find irresistibly attractive.
Shaking off my ridiculous musings, I headed down the stairs to the lower deck. Charlie offered his hand as we piled into the tender in our turn.
I found myself sandwiched between Alex and Aiden again.
No complaints on my part; it was my favorite place to be.
My face flushed as I thought about being in the middle of a different kind of sandwich. One that involved their naked, writhing bodies surrounding mine.
Suddenly it felt like a million degrees out here instead of ninety.
“Are you okay?” Alex asked and placed a strong hand on my thigh.
I nearly swallowed my tongue as his heated grip branded my skin, far too close to my now very excited dick.
“Great. Fine. Good,” I blurted out and shifted my legs. “Just a bit hot.”
Hot was an understatement.
I was having a fucking meltdown from one simple touch.
Alex slowly withdrew his hand, and I fought the urge to stop him.
Thankfully Charlie got the engine going, and we hightailed it towards the island. The ocean breeze washing over me was refreshing and helped to calm my wayward body and dirty thoughts.
Until five minutes into our boat ride when another boat came speeding along, nearly clipping us.
Charlie made a sudden turn to avoid a collision, causing all of us to topple over.
Aiden’s body crashed against mine, and I in turn fell against Alex as the tender rocked.
“Sorry,” I muttered and tried to lean away but the solid wall that was Aiden’s chest was preventing me.
Being trapped should have triggered my alarm, but instead, it made my pulse pound in a rhythm that had nothing to do with fear.
I couldn’t move. But I didn’t want to.
I was enveloped by strong arms and warm skin, by the smell of musk and sweat. By two men that knew more about me than anyone else in my life.
By the men I couldn’t stop thinking about.
I was so turned on, so painfully hard that I worried I’d make a fool of myself if either Alex or Aiden noticed my reaction.
I was caught between heaven and hell, and I wasn’t sure there was much difference between the two. Both felt sinfully good.
“Is everyone okay?” Charlie called out as he looked over his shoulder.
“We’re fine,” Aiden replied as he finally leaned back.
I shivered, despite the heat.
Both he and Alex gently helped me sit upright again. I flushed so hard at their care, I felt sunburnt.
Taking a few deep breaths, I managed to calm myself. Then I looked to my right, past Aiden. Kiernan was rubbing his arm.
“Did you hurt yourself?” I asked.
“I’m fine. I fell back and I landed on my shoulder. It’s probably nothing but a bruise,” Kiernan replied.
“There’s icepacks in the cooler,” Charlie mentioned. “Grab one.”
Kiernan made to lean over but Aiden stopped him.
“Let me.”
Aiden unzipped the cooler and grabbed a hand towel, wrapped up the ice pack and handed it over to Kiernan.
“Thanks,” Kiernan replied as he placed the pack on his shoulder.
“Are you all right?” Aiden turned and asked me.
I didn’t reply at first, still unnerved at my reaction.
Until I noticed my hat in his hand. It must have fallen off when I fell. I gratefully took it, placing it on my head and nodding.
“I’m fine. Alex is the one we should be asking. We both fell against him,” I turned to Alex, but he shook his head.
“I’m good. I can take both of you.”
I held my tongue at that comment. Aiden, of course, did not.
“I’m sure you can,” Aiden replied with a dirty grin. “What I wouldn’t give to experience that.”
“I meant the weight of both of you.”
“So did I,” Aiden chuckled.
Alex coughed and cleared his throat, pulling out a bottle of water from his backpack. After downing all of it in three gulps, he sat back and pulled out his phone.
“Distraction doesn’t work,” Aiden taunted. “You’re thinking about it right now. Your face is flushed and you’re sweating.”
“It’s ninety plus degrees out, Aiden, of course I’m sweating,” Alex snapped.
“You’re hot, but it has nothing to do with the temperature and you know it. Just admit that the thought of Jared and I…”
I elbowed Aiden hard to shut him up.
“Knock it off and keep your voice down,” I whispered.
Thankfully, Kiernan and Charlie were chatting and not paying us any attention.
We pulled into a busy pier packed with fishing boats, tenders, and sail boats. After finding a space to tie up, Charlie shut off the engine and helped us unload. Kiernan placed the ice pack back in the cooler and rotated his shoulder. He gave a nod and thumbs up to Alex.
“I’m going to stay with you guys today in case you need help,” Charlie remarked as he grabbed hold of the cooler and started down the dock.
“As long as we’re not taking you away from your duties on board,” Alex replied.
“Not at all. Plus, I speak a bit of Thai. Not much, but enough to get by.”
“Thanks Charlie,” I responded. “We appreciate it. This way, Alex will also have a chance to rest for a bit. He’s been working long hours because of me, and he deserves some leisure time.”
“I don’t think—” Alex started but I gave my bodyguard a raised eyebrow and he stopped talking.
“You deserve a day off too, Alex.”
I was not above turning into a Hollywood diva and throwing a temper tantrum to get my way.
I was right. Alex needed a break. There was no threat to me here. We were on a small, safe island. Far, far away from prying eyes, press or otherwise.
All five of us sauntered through the crowded marina until we reached the main road. Charlie got us a taxi, and ten minutes later we arrived at the villa.
The three-story house was set back from the beach, with a winding path that led to a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay. With powder soft sand and gentle waves, the beach property was bordered by lush tropical flowers and palm trees. A perfect, quiet oasis.
After spending most of the day here, we’d be off to tour Wat Koh Samut, the only temple on the island.
I wanted to film around the property but first, and out of respect, I wanted to meet with the monks who lived and worked there.
I wasn’t sure they’d say yes to my request, but it didn’t hurt to ask.
But first, time to relax.
The villa had an infinity pool with loungers that beckoned. I stepped out onto the surrounding deck and there was nothing but jungle on either side, no houses nearby. We were totally secluded.
I slipped off my shorts and shirt, placing them on a lounger and searched my bag for my sunscreen. After spraying down thoroughly, I let the sunscreen dry off. Then I was ready for the beach.
“What the fuck?”
I looked over my shoulder at the sound of Aiden’s voice to find him and Alex, both standing behind me, staring at me with their mouths open.
Okay, so I was on the slim side and not ripped like Alex, but there was nothing wrong with my body. I thought I looked pretty good with my golden tan, thanks to my sun worshipping at home. And there was nothing wrong with my black speedo, the boys were secured.
What were they staring at?
“What’s the matter?” I asked.
Kiernan and Charlie walked by me, and they didn’t make a comment.
Until they passed me, and I heard Charlie murmur ‘oh boy’ and then it finally dawned.
“It’s a thong. People wear them all the time in L.A.,” I bit out and turned around again.
I heard Alex cough and clear his throat.
Aiden was mumbling, but I had no idea what he was saying.
I couldn’t help the tiny smile that graced my face. I’d gotten their attention, and just the thought made my confidence soar. Hours of yoga gave me a firm ass that was one of my best, well, assets , so why should I hide it?
I wasn’t ashamed of my body.
Wearing the thong made me feel sexy, and I was used to wearing little to no clothing at home.
Alex had walked in on me wearing bathing suits before, so why was he startled now?
I could only reason that since the other night, his icy demeanor had started to melt, and now he was having a difficult time remaining unaffected.
Aiden too?
Deciding to test my theory, I bent over to grab my towel. Something crashed behind me, and I turned to find Alex sprawled out on the deck.
“Are you okay?” I asked as I rushed over to check him.
“I tripped on the decking, it’s nothing,” he snapped as he stood up and waved me off.
Aiden, on the other hand, was making no secret of perusing my body, taking his time.
Their reactions lit a desire in me that was stronger than anything I’d ever felt in my life.
And thank fuck I was holding my towel in front of me.
If it had been just the three of us, I wouldn’t have minded showing them my growing hard-on, but with Charlie and Kiernan here…
My day off was supposed to be relaxing, but it was far from that.
I was ready to play with fire and ice and I didn’t care if I got burned.
It would be worth it.