Beneath the surface calm, tension hummed quietly as the group readied for their next move.
James, ever the professional, cleared his throat. “Afternoon activities are set, sir. Jet skis are on standby, and the boat is ready for island hopping at your convenience.”
Ashcroft clapped once. “Fantastic. I’m voting jet skis first. Let’s ride some waves, maybe cause a little scandal, hmm?”
“Of course you are,” Harper replied, already slipping her sunglasses down and tossing Maya a grin. “You hear that? We’re going full movie montage today. Beach, breeze, drama.”
Damien’s eyes flicked to Maya. His jaw worked once before he finally spoke-voice low, smooth, tightly reined in.
“You good to ride?”
Maya blinked, caught off guard. “Me?”
He gave the faintest nod, expression unreadable. “Unless you’d rather stay in the cabana.”
She tilted her head slightly, her heart already picking up pace. “No, no… I’ll join. I want to experience it.”
His mouth curved-just a hint, almost imperceptible. But Maya saw it. Felt it.
“I’ll go slow,” he said, voice even softer now. “Gentle… I promise.”
Her breath caught.
It was the way he said it-the low timbre of his voice, the heat simmering in his eyes. Like he wasn’t just talking about jet skis… like he meant something else entirely.
Maya flushed, a soft “Mm, okay,” slipping from her lips before she could even think of anything better to say.
Behind her, Harper leaned toward Ashcroft with a hand half-shielding her mouth. “This is why I live for vacation romance.”
Ashcroft whispered back, “It’s not vacation romance when the man’s ready to murder everyone who looks at her.”
Maya glanced between them. “What are you two whispering about?”
Harper grinned like a cat with cream. “Nothing you can’t feel burning holes in your back.”
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& Charter 63 Laboral and Desmedt 1
Before Maya could respond, Damien stepped aside, ever composed, and gestured subtly toward the winding path behind him. “Let’s go.”
She hesitated just half a beat-then moved. Past him. Her shoulder brushing his arm as she passed. Her skin tingled.
Ashcroft fell into step beside Damien. “You sure you’re good to jet ski, Romeo? You look a little… unsteady.”
Damien didn’t even glance at him. “I’m fine. I’ll manage.”
“Of course you will.” Ashcroft’s smirk widened. “You wouldn’t survive being the one holding on.”
The path curved and opened into a picture-perfect beach view-turquoise water glittering, white sand pristine, and three sleek jet skis lined up near the shore like they were waiting for a magazine shoot.
Maya’s eyes widened slightly. Only three?
James stood off to the side, hands behind his back, clearly proud of his strategic setup.
Three jet skis. Four of them.
Which meant someone was riding tandem.
Maya barely had time to process that before Harper nudged her side with a sharp gasp. When she turned, her friend was already mouthing oh my god-both hands dramatically pressed to her cheeks like they were in the middle of a K-drama.
Then Harper bounced forward like they were heading into a music video.
“I know how to ride!” she called over her shoulder. “So I got dibs on one! And I’m riding solo- sorry, BFF! You’ll have to ride with your man.” She winked. “Unless, of course, you’d rather ride with Good Sir over here…” She gestured flamboyantly at Ashcroft.
Ashcroft held up both hands in mock surrender. “Nope. Sorry, sis. I like speed. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take. D’s your safest bet.” He smirked. “He’ll take care of you.”
The two of them strolled off, already laughing, grabbing life jackets and talking over each.
other.
Maya remained frozen in place.
Beside her, Damien stood quiet, unreadable-until he turned to her, jaw tight, sunglasses hanging from his fingers.
2/3
s hoping the Exposed and Pegled i
“…Shall we?” he asked, voice low and strangely careful.
Maya hesitated, nerves bubbling in her chest.
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LUCK DRAW
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.