LOGINMickey peered down where she was pointing, and nearly choked.‘Um… the front two legs are obviously Mum’s, you know.’‘What? Mum’s?’ Minnie crouched to look more closely.Sure enough, the two legs further in were thinner than the ones nearer the front.‘You’re right… they are Mum’s.’‘Get out!’ Dad’s furious roar came from behind the curtain, so loud it made both of them jump.Minnie tugged at Mickey’s sleeve. ‘You’re not scared of Dad, are you? You go.’Mickey stared at the curtain, at the narrow space behind it, and then thought about those four legs.A sudden, uncomfortable understanding dawned on him.‘Maybe we should leave.’‘Leave? Why? Aren’t you worried something’s wrong with them?’‘Um… not really,’ he said, scratching his head, u
Outside the window, morning dew slipped off the petals, clear as glass, pecked away by a passing bird.The mist lifted, and sunlight poured down in golden sheets.Minnie stared up at the master bedroom, frowning.Since returning from the honeymoon, Mum and Dad hadn’t stepped out of their room for three whole days.Apart from Carmen bringing food upstairs, and Dad’s voice telling her to leave it by the door, there had been no sign of them.Minnie was both worried and curious.What were Mum and Dad doing in there?Three full days without coming out!Was there something fun inside that room?If there was, and they were hiding away playing it without sharing, that was just plain mean.By the fourth morning, Minnie’s curiosity got the better of her.Even if there was something fun going on, being cooped up that long must be boring, right?‘Hey, Mickey, let’s knock again. What
I blinked at him, then took a few steps back.He didn’t let me escape. For every step I took, he came closer, closing the distance between us.‘I want you.’His voice rumbled above me, low and thick, his eyes slightly unfocused as something restless began to take root there.I didn’t dare meet that heat. I lowered my head, trying to slip away, but he caught my chin and tilted it up, forcing me to look at him.He was so close that his breath hit my face, hot and overwhelming.‘Say yes,’ he pressed.His voice had gone very hoarse.If I didn’t push him away soon, things were going to spiral fast.I shoved at his chest, flustered. ‘After I shower.’He stopped mid-motion, just before his lips reached mine. The dazed look in his eyes faded slightly, replaced by a sly, triumphant grin.‘Alright.’One word, and it was soaked in giddy, unfilter
Guilt prickled the back of my neck.Sneaking off somewhere that beautiful without them felt almost criminal. I fumbled for an excuse. ‘We just… wandered around.’Ashton stayed quiet. Sensible man.We had dinner at the hotel, then wandered out.Not far away, loudspeakers blared harsh rock music, and coloured lights flickered through the palm trees, scattering patches of shifting shadow across the sand.Ashton led us over. A lively beach party was in full swing.He ordered some drinks, fruit juice, and a platter of snacks, then found a spot in the corner to sit down.The host, speaking English with a distinct local accent, kept the event running smoothly.They started with a dance lesson.Staff dressed in bright, exotic costumes and heavy makeup took the lead, teaching travellers from all over the world how to dance with dramatic, rhythmic movements.Mickey had only planned to watch, but Minnie gr
I reached for a piece of fried fish and popped it into my mouth. ‘Well, please thank your friend for me. This is perfect.’I opened the champagne, filled two glasses, and handed him one. ‘To us.’He gave me that lazy, pleased smile of his, clinked his glass against mine, and downed it in one go.The chilled bubbles slid down my throat, leaving a pleasant fizz in their wake. I let myself sink onto the lounger, utterly content.Pink sand beneath my feet. A turquoise sea ahead. A soft breeze carrying the salty tang of the ocean.‘This is incredible,’ I murmured. ‘I never imagined I’d get a moment this romantic in my life. I can’t believe this is real.’Ashton leaned against the table, champagne glass in hand, watching the horizon with me.The waves crashed softly and steadily, their rhythm almost like a heartbeat.The stillness, the sea air, the steady sound of water. It
We lifted off the ground, slowly at first, then smoothly rising higher.I glanced down at the ground crew, a cold shiver of unease running through me. ‘Are you sure it’s safe with just the two of us?’‘Of course. A honeymoon’s only a honeymoon when it’s just us, isn’t it?’I pressed my lips together and turned to look at him. The light streaming through the window softened the sharp lines of his face, and for a moment he looked almost serene.After a pause, I asked, ‘Are we just flying around the island?’He glanced at me, a quiet smile playing at the corners of his mouth, but didn’t answer.I gave up trying to guess and focused on the view outside instead.The helicopter soared over the island and headed out to sea. The lush green faded into the distance until it was just a tiny dot in the middle of endless blue.The sky above was a clear, brilliant blue, and th







