The Beach Confrontation

The Hawaiian breeze carried the scent of salt and sunscreen, but Julia hardly noticed. Her heart raced like a drum, echoing against her ribs. She hadn't expected Alan to actually pull her out of the resort building and drag her toward the beach, away from everyone else.

"Alan… what—why—" she started, but he cut her off with a sharp glance.

"No talking," he growled, voice low, dangerous. "Not until I say so."

Julia's stomach twisted. She wanted to protest. She wanted to pull away. But the heat i