5. Rogue Thoughts

Before we left the restaurant, I remembered that you should never let yourself be taken to a new location.

I hesitated at the door.

He held out a hand, inviting me to come along, and I continued to resist moving any further—part nerves, part temptation. My heart raged in my chest, a wild combination of fear and undeniable attraction. The restaurant was still glowing with candlelight; I could smell delightful food lingering in the air, and the air was thick with possibility.

I tried to keep my voice steady, but it shook.

“No, what I want is to make a call. Please—can I do that?”

Before he could answer, the door swung open. Another man—slender, effortlessly handsome—strode in with a confidence that made the air spark.

“Are you done talking to my coworker?” he teased, eyes flicking to mine. “Tell me, Charlize, did you have a wonderful time at Pleasure Paradise Bar and Grill?”

I could barely breathe as I faced him. It was Diamante, his name matching his sharp beauty. Two men, both devastatingly handsome in their own ways, both looking at me as if I were the only thing that mattered.

I forced myself forward, refusing to show how rattled I was.

“Yes, I asked Blaze if I could use the telephone?”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, we don’t have phones, computers, or any technology on the island.”

“What! This is absurd! How do you make a connection to the outside world? How did my boyfriend make reservations? I’m sure he had to call to do that!"

Diamante’s lips curled into a teasing smile. “Private arrangements were made directly with the owner. No need to get flustered—tonight is about pleasure. I know you’d love a foot massage and a hot bath. Let me escort you to one of our main attractions.”

He extended his arm. “It’s time for you to experience our bungalows on the beach. Imagine it: the Ocean at your feet, the night sky above, every desire within reach.”

“I want to speak to the owner! Right now!”

The two men shared a glance, some secret language passing between them, and I caught a whiff of their intoxicating scent. Diamante moved closer, so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body. My pulse skittered; I squeezed my legs together, fighting the rising tide of desire. I tried to look unbothered, but inside, my need was dangerously close to spilling over.

His gaze was locked on my lips. “You will meet him, but he wants you to relax.” His words echoed in my ears like breathless pants.

“You’re a challenge,” Diamante murmured, tracing his knuckles down my cheek. “And I love a challenge.”

If I’d been thinking straight, I would have told him to step back. Instead, longing crashed over me—hot, insistent, impossible to ignore.

“That lipstick is beautiful on you,” he whispered, eyes locked on my mouth. He brushed his thumb over my lips, then slowly brought it to his own, licking away the color. My mind filled with images I’d never dared to entertain. He cupped my chin, his face inches from mine, and I could barely breathe.

“So, are you ready to enjoy all the owner is willing to offer you while granting you your wishes?”

My resistance crumbled. All I could do was nod.

"I guess we should be going," Diamante said as I, once again, let myself be led away without protest.

Blaze says. “So, let's get you settled in for the night.” Both men took me by each arm and began escorting me out of the entryway.  

I had never seen the stars shine so brightly when I stepped outside. It was romantic, with a full moon above.

“We'll be taking a scenic stroll along the beach."

As we walked along the shadowy beach, the world faded into waves and moonlight. Part of me thought, this is how hostages end up in trouble—never let yourself be taken to a second location. But I had come willingly, hadn’t I? I tried to imagine explaining this to anyone back home: two dangerously attractive men, a paradise I never expected. My lips curled into a secret smile.

Halfway down the beach, I broke the silence, voice trembling with excitement and nerves.

"Uh, thanks for saving me tonight. Were you expecting me to come here?" I asked, smiling shyly.

"Yes."

"What if I wouldn't have made it?"

"When we met you on the staircase, we were about to come and look for you. We know what you need, desire, and want," Blaze replied.

I felt utterly embarrassed for being so weak, and evident how much I lacked in the intimacy department.

Blaze’s voice was soft but certain. “It’s only natural to have desires. You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t. And here, you don’t have to hide them. Everything you’ve missed back home—every longing, every wish—will be fulfilled here.”

It wasn’t like me to expose my desires, but I craved what they promised, and the thought of betraying Mark—my boyfriend—should have filled me with shame, but it didn’t, not at all. But here, in this intoxicating place, temptation was winning. I tried to pull myself back, to remember who I was. But the pull was strong, almost impossible to resist.

When we arrived at the large bungalow, I stopped and looked in amazement. “It looks gorgeous!” I exclaimed, getting the guy's attention.

“It was prepared for you, our queen.”

They called me their queen, and I couldn’t find words to protest. I was just a girl from the city, swept up in a fantasy, a dream, surrounded by endless white sand and the endless blue of the sea. Was this real—or had I died and gone straight to Paradise?

These men would be any girl's dream. They were gorgeous and very, very persuasive! I tried to speak as I stood inside the bungalow, amazed by its decor. It was decorated with different shades of blue and soft greens, mimicking the Ocean and the sky's hues; its ivory seating with cushions and the bed covers were white fur. Windows surrounded it, and the door led to a private lanai and a pier that went directly to the Ocean. Behind each bungalow, they had a small jetted hot tub and outdoor shower. I walked over to one of the rooms filled with expensive clothing, shoes, and jewels.

“Who does this place belong to?” I asked, amazed at what I saw in the room.

“This is your dressing room, my lady. Come, your bath has been prepared.”

“Bath?”

“Yes,” Blaze said, taking me by the hand and leading me into a garden tub filled with flower petals and a sweet aroma, with candles and soft music playing. I reluctantly stepped back. Then hands grasped my shoulders. I turned, and Blaze's eyes stared intently into mine.

There was no way I could put into words what I wanted to ask them. I didn't want to seem presumptuous. But the question going through my mind was, ‘Will they be sleeping here with me?’ When the thought popped into my head, I wanted to dismiss it. How could I have such rogue thoughts? Is that what I desire?

When I glanced back at him, they began walking me into the large bathroom and took my hand as a knowing smile entered their lips. I felt my pulse jolt when Diamante touched me—wondering if he noticed my reaction.

I knew he felt it when his hand closed over mine, and for a moment, I felt trapped. 'There was no turning back,' I told myself. I tried to distract them with small talk.

"All of this is nice. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness…"

"Thank you. I think my boss had the right idea about what's needed to enjoy one's life truly."

"Oh, wow. Is that a Jacuzzi?" I asked, noticing the sizeable round marble bathtub with gold fixtures.

"Sure is. The window above it opens. The view from here is awesome."

"It's pretty awesome." I looked up and saw the stars peering down.

"This is all for you," Blaze said, smiling down at me as he stood before me.

Reality set in when I saw the turbulent water, blue lights, and floating flower petals, and I spoke.

"I didn't come prepared to get in the water. I'm dressed to go dancing." I uttered nervously.

"What's there to prepare? Haven't you heard of skinny dipping?" Diamante walks up close to me, giving me that reassuring sexy smile.

"Look, let's just have fun, okay? I know you haven't had this fun in a long time." Blaze says, smiling too.

"I've never had this kind of fun…I’ve never gone skinny-dipping before. Have you guys? Ignore that question."

"Diamante glanced away, smiling bashfully.

"Just as I thought." He tilted his head, catching my eyes. "You get undressed unless you want me to help you." He said, tracing his long finger down my neck to the center of my breast."

"No, no, thank you. I'll get myself undressed."