12. Life Off The Grid

“Wow! That was close.”

For the first time since creating Pleasure Paradise, something threatened his composure, his control—a woman.

Not just any woman. Her name is Charlize Johnson—the one who could unravel everything.

He stepped from under the waterfall—his adrenaline spiking. "What was she doing over in this area? And all alone?”

“As serene as this place may seem, she shouldn’t be exploring the island by herself; that could be dangerous. She’s bolder than I thought.”

It has come a long way in its development, but great things take time. When I built my very first empire—I became known as one of the world’s most notorious leaders. I was always two steps ahead of the law, and now I’m known as a legend lurking in the shadows.

After earning billions of dollars by running various unlawful businesses, I've achieved wealth and power that some strive for in a lifetime. Then I vanished, dismantled the cartel, and freed my men. That ended a life of crime and chaos I’d grown tired of.

But I never planned on the chaos of loneliness, or the risk a single woman could bring.

It’s been a few years since I’ve been in hiding. My legendary track record is still whispered about. Many were concerned about my whereabouts- a mystery. The authorities believed I’d disappeared for good. But power never really vanishes.

It just waits.

Some called me ruthless; others called me brilliant. All I ever wanted was the silver spoon I was born with in my mouth. And of course, loyalty, love, and a woman who’d choose me, not for my wealth and power, but for who I really was.

Now I reside with a low profile, invisible high walls, and endless lonely nights. I craved a partner —female companionship more like it—someone equally clever, trustworthy, and able to navigate my world. Now, after years of building Pleasure Paradise, I was finally ready to risk my heart.

So, to achieve this, I called in a few favors.

When this woman arrived—handpicked, highly recommended, and more beautiful than I’d imagined- she was supposed to be our queen, a reward for the men’s loyalty, who stuck by me. But as soon as I saw her, I knew I couldn’t share her: she was a keeper, the temptation, the excitement I felt it changed everything.

My men were free—free to love, to choose, to build something real for once in their lives. But with only one woman on the island, everything now hinged on her choice.

Would she pick me, the leader, or would she fall for one of my loyal men?

 The stakes had never been higher.

But as the leader, I aimed to keep everyone at Pleasure Paradise happy. I wanted no deceit or betrayal in my world of Pleasure.

So I called a meeting, masking nerves with a cool smile. My men were talented, loyal, and smart.

But desire changes everything.

“Welcome. Sit down, boys. Let’s figure this out—together.”

I say, “Well, who would have thought all of us would be interested in the same woman?” I chuckle, keeping the mood light.  

Diamante and Blaze slid their eyes to one another when I said that. He is all-wise, they thought, so what now?

I knew what was about to occur.

“She’s lured all of our hearts to her, unknowingly. The power she possesses is remarkable,” I stated.

“Boss, it’s not what you think,” Blaze said quickly. “She’s your queen—we made her feel welcome, just like you asked.”

Diamante nodded, tension in his jaw.

“Relax, both of you. I know there’s nothing shady happening—but we need a plan. She’s not just a reward. She’s the wildcard.”

Diamante spoke up. “We’ll do whatever you decide, boss.”

Blaze nodded, but his eyes flicked away, betraying more than loyalty.

“Loyalty brought us this far,” the leader said quietly. “But love? That’s a different kind of gamble.”

An idea sparked.

“I’ve decided that we will let her heart—choose. No forcing anyone to do what I want. We’ve lived that life already and survived it.”

They came and casually gathered around this large swivel round table with snacks and drinks.

“We’re finally free—no more running, no more hiding. We get to live. But freedom means letting her choose, too.”

“I feel you,” Diamante replied.  

“So, tell me something. How will we make this happen?” asked Blaze, who was ready to be in a serious relationship. The boss looked at them and smiled.

“The young lady with us will connect us to the outside world. She will bring us more females similar to herself in time.”  

“What? How do you plan to make that happen? Diamante asks, smiling.

“I researched this girl, and she will bring us our -awesome -fine -fantasy girls! The men got excited.

“But wait! She doesn’t even recognize that she is a fantasy girl.”  

“Now isn’t that appealing? I got you, fellas. Calm down. I’ve been working while you two have kept her preoccupied.” The leader exclaimed coolly.

“But we have a problem that is starting to develop with this girl, and we need to put her on a new course. I see she’s interested in both of you. So, I suggest that we give her freedom of choice. Women love to have rights too. So, I say let her date all of us, then let her choose who impresses her most. It’s a win for all involved.”

“Wow! You have a gift, boss, for seeing the big picture of things.”

“I am in the one percentile of brilliant humans here on the face of the earth.”

“Yes, you are, and it’s amazing!” Blaze states.

I lifted my glass, my eyes gleaming. “Let the games begin.”

The wager had started—and so had the battle for Charlize’s heart.