28. Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Kian
It’s a lot harder than I expect to keep the smile from my lips while everyone who doesn’t know the truth absorbs our situation. The five of us are stuck here now, for as long as it takes for everyone to realize Sapphire is our one true mate.
I did it. I got Xane to agree to both parts of my plan.
We’re on the untamed side of the island, separated from the fancy resort we’re booked into by a massive jungle that’s deep enough to get lost in. Even at the top of the grassy slope we just slid down, no trace of the resort can be seen.
The small patch of beach we’ve got looks like something from a movie set.
A couple of palm trees frame the scene as I look out over the sand.
The sea beyond is a sparkling, vibrant, turquoise blue.
It’s perfect.
A million times better than any fully catered resort full of strangers.
Out here we have our own slice of paradise.
I’m basking in the warmth of the sun above us when Riley storms off along the beach, as if he’s determined to find his own way to Golden Sands. Considering he thinks it’s on another island, and he doesn’t know which direction that island is in, I don’t think he’s going to get very far.
Kicking at the ground as he goes, I can hear him turning the air blue with every step.
Might take him a while to calm down.
Good thing I packed a whole case of his favorite beer.
I turn back to the others, to find Trick standing near the jet’s steps, pretending to check on his phone while stealing glances at Sapphire. I don’t blame him for wanting to stare at her, but he shouldn’t need to look at his phone to know he can’t use it.
That was always part of the appeal of our favorite vacation destination.
Golden Palms was made to be a place to relax.
No wi-fi or cell phone service is provided.
“There’s no service out here,” I tell Trick, as if he hasn’t already noticed.
He sighs as he puts his cell back into his pocket. “Yeah. It didn’t seem likely.”
His gaze follows Sapphire as she looks around, slowly stepping closer to the beach and taking off her blazer. The plain shift dress she reveals is modest but flattering. Her curves are clearly highlighted beneath the plain navy material.
“It’s so beautiful,” she murmurs, gazing across the water as she folds her jacket over one arm.
“It really is,” Trick murmurs, stealing my line from behind us before I get the chance to say it.
If she feels his heavy stare, she doesn’t show any sign of it.
I’m not sure she even heard him speak.
Yet he’s completely caught up in their connection.
I should have anticipated that.
He’s never attracted to anyone.
Of course it’s gonna hit him the hardest.
Sapphire doesn’t glance back. She steps out of her heels and leaves them where they fall. I look down as she walks toward the beach, red painted toenails bright against the tanned skin of her feet.
She heads from the sand toward the water, moving slowly enough to mesmerize me with her hips from behind. It takes a second to catch my breath, but when I do, I follow her.
“Hey, wait up!” I call out, making her head turn.
The look she gives me over her shoulder is full of mischief and joy.
Her eyes are sparkling brighter than the water is on this untouched slice of paradise.
“Well, hurry up,” she tells me. “And take off your shoes.”
I stop where I’m standing and do what I’m told, leaving my socks in my sneakers when I step out of them. I don’t bother to roll up the bottom of my chinos. I couldn’t care less if they get wet.
She doesn’t stop walking until the water covers her feet.
Then she sighs and tilts her head back, eyes closed.
The cool water feels good in the heat, but she’s the only reason I’m standing here with my feet in the ocean.
She’s bubbling over with excited energy, showing me a whole different side to her that exists a world away from the reserved writer who stepped onto our jet an hour ago.
Would this be happening if we’d landed at the resort as scheduled?
I don’t know, but I doubt it.
I knew this was how it needed to be.
It’s an oddly triumphant moment.
We haven’t connected yet, but we’re going to, and it’s gonna be magical.
There’s no doubt in my mind now that we’re here.