4. The Lure Of Temptation

“A female has finally entered our territory. Everything’s falling into place,” the muscular one rumbled to his companion, eyes locked on me. My heart stuttered. The two men were undeniably magnetic in a dangerous, predatory way. The bulkier one’s scars—across his neck, chest, and curling down his lip—made him look both fearsome and oddly compelling. When he smiled, it was like a dare.

“You must be starving after that trek,” he continued, voice low and smooth. “Blaze will take you to eat. Anything you want.”

Just then, my stomach twisted with hunger. “Yes, please,” I breathed, unable to hide my relief.

Blaze, the one with the scars and impossible confidence, led me into a candlelit dining room. He gestured for me to sit at the bar, leaning in. "What’ll it be?"

“Whatever you make,” I said, surprising myself with how calm I sounded. I should have been terrified. Instead, a strange sense of ease settled over me, as if their presence somehow muted my panic.

“Let’s see what would be more entertaining for you to watch me cook. Ah, do you eat Japanese food?” 

“Yes.” Honestly, I could eat a horse right now.

“Excellent. Get comfortable—I’ll be right back. Gotta get into my chef’s uniform.” Blaze’s grin was wicked, promising trouble.

As soon as he left, anxiety prickled up my spine. This was all wrong. No other guests. Chairs stacked on tables. No staff. I eyed the door, pulse racing. Should I run?

I slid off the barstool and crept to the door. My hand was on the knob when a calm voice stopped me. “Charlize.”

My body stiffened, with only my head turning, looking over my shoulder. He looked at me as I closed the door.  He looked unlike any man I had ever seen before. He blinked curiously as he found me still standing at the door, shaking and trembling.

Blaze strolled back in, arms full of vegetables and meat, wearing nothing but an apron and cut-off jean shorts. My jaw dropped. If this was his chef’s uniform, I was in trouble.

 "Come take a seat. Welcome to Chef’s Delight Bar and Grill here at Pleasure Paradise.”

My eyes couldn’t stop tracing every line of his body as he chopped and flipped his knives with a showman’s flash, all the while winking and teasing. The air between us crackled with flirtation.

“Wow,” I breathed, unable to hide my excitement. Blaze slid a tropical drink my way, eyes glinting with mischief.

“What is this drink called?” 

“Euphoria.”

“Take a sip.” 

“Hmm…” 

“You like it?” 

“Yes, it’s enjoyable.”

Only after a few sips did I feel good and at ease. The young man entertained me as I gladly drank! After that, hot food was served, and he ate with me. Blaze left me impressed and pleased with his skills and barely their sexy chef uniform. "Who wouldn't want to eat a meal like this looking at a body like that!" I thought to myself. 

“Are you the owner?”

“Oh no.” 

“Is the other guy the other owner? I'm just curious, where are all the other guests?" ” 

“No, I’m not the owner. We have reservations only for you and must prepare you to meet the owner. No one meets him until they have been through all the preparations.”

“Well, I’m sure my boyfriend made the reservation for two. And since I’m alone, I don’t think it would be wise to stay here alone. What is your name?” 

“I’m Blaze, and my co-worker you met earlier. His name is Diamante. What’s your name, pretty lady?”

“My name is Charlize.”

“We only have a reservation for you, and we are happy you came to our resort. We aim to please you by giving you sheer pleasure during your stay here.”

“Well, I don’t think I can stay. I was hoping to use a phone and call a taxi to get back home. Is that possible, Blaze?”

He smirked in a wordless reply. Then he shook his finger at me. 

“What does that mean? Can’t I use the phone? Or does that mean I can’t leave this place?” 

“Come on, Charlize, do you want to leave? You just got here. You came to us because you wanted what we have to offer you. From a good time to physical pleasure and even eternal companionship. Isn’t this your desire? Of course, it is. And when you are allowed to leave, you will crave it even more.” 

“How do you know these things?” 

“It was on the reservation request. But let’s not talk about leaving until you experience what you came here for.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but the words died on my tongue. Mentally, I was speechless. How could he know my inner desires better than I knew them? What was happening to me, and what had I walked into? Did Mark sign up for this resort? I thought, looking at the gorgeous, barely dressed man, and I tried to contain the uneasiness I began to feel. 

However, he noticed I seemed hesitant about all of this, no matter how strangely cordial the men had been toward me.

"Now that you have enjoyed the finest meal and drink in the most exotic place in the world. I'm sure you would like to get relaxed and be pampered. Though you look stunning in this attire, your precious feet must want to be relieved after traveling so far in those types of shoes." Blaze says, circling me like I was prey. I cautiously moved back into my chair and glanced up at him as he moved around my chair, seemingly blocking me from rising. Blaze saw the slight fear that crossed my face. I glanced at him again, thinking I did not have time for that.

"You have a gorgeous face and body."

"Thank you. I had a great time here. All I want to do is go home. My boyfriend is going to worry about me. I'm sure he will be waiting for me to call him. I don't want him to worry and call the authorities."

"Blaze laughed. "Boyfriend? Is that what he is supposed to be? I don't think so. If he were your man, he would recognize what a gem he has and never have allowed you to escape his sight. Besides, what kind of man lets a woman roam a dark roadway?"

What could I say? Absolutely nothing! He was right! Mark once again proved to be nothing but a conceited, spoiled brat! The worst kind of man ever!

"Just think about what would have happened if we hadn't rescued you. You could have been ravaged by some unsavory creatures out there. But that didn't happen, and we're so happy you made it safely. And you are safe. Look, I'm sure this boring conversation is making you exhausted, as it's making me." He stopped before me, glanced down at me with a smile, then winked, saying. "Let's go."