9. Mystery Man

Mystery Man (POV)

I saw her before she knew I physically existed. She’d barely set foot in Pleasure Paradise, and already the air felt charged and electric. Instinct told me to keep my distance—to watch, not act. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a beautiful girl, and I’ve learned from experience not to dive in unless I’m prepared for heartbreak. I’m still healing from the disappointment. So, I can’t just throw caution to the wind. But this girl… she made me question every rule I’d set for myself.

I pulled my sunglasses down to the tip of my nose to get a clear view of the beauty. My pulse raced as she stepped out of Bungalow 1. Sashaying on her way down the beach. I’d only had a glimpse of her last night, but every report I’d received from Blaze and Diamante ignited a spark within me.

I’m not a man that’s easily impressed.

Beauties come a dime a dozen, but this one… There was something special about this one. I could tell by the way she walked in her six-inch strapped sandals that exposed perfectly pedicured toes and sturdy ankles. There had to be a secret to make it all look so effortless and mouthwatering. My eyes couldn’t help but travel up from the silver charm anklet that sat seductively around her ankle to her caramel, shapely calf. The white swimsuit she wore gave glimpses of an amazing figure, but it was was tastefully covered by a silver, semi-sheer, thigh-lengthsemi-sheer thigh-length robe.

I could see the bottom of her swimsuit had silver circular hoops on both sides of her waist, clearly the only things holding the bottom pieces together. She continued down the beach, giving me a view of her from behind.

Very sexy.

Causing me to shift uncomfortably on my lounge chair. Now, the sun glinted off her shiny dark hair, and I felt something snap inside me. She was breathtaking. For the first time in a long time, my wants crashed into need.

She strolled the beach, a combination of tight and soft in all the right places. What made her even more appealing was that she didn’t have an air about her but was confident, unaware of the ripple she sent through me.

I caught myself whispering, “Wow,” under my breath, desperate to know her story, desperate to become part of it.

I hadn’t expected daylight to reveal so much. Each movement was poetry, setting her apart from every guest before. The old hunger, sharp and electric, surged inside me. I couldn’t look away.

My gaze dropped to the silver anklet glinting against her ankle, lingered on the curve of her calf—strong, graceful, perfect. I never cared much about appearances, but her presence made every detail seem vital. She looked innocent but full of temptation, all in one irresistible package.

A grin tugged at my lips.

I imagined her legs tangled with mine—dangerous thoughts. For the first time in forever, I wanted to risk everything.

Her swimsuit—one I’d chosen—hugged her body with enough modesty to tease. The sheer robe floated around her, a whisper of mystery.

Modest… but with fire beneath the surface. Did she know what she was doing to me?

Silver hoops at her hips caught the light, tempting fate with every step. I shifted on my lounge chair once more, pulse quickening.

Tonight, couldn’t come fast enough. Six months alone. Now, she was here—everything I’d ever wanted, and more. Was it possible to die from wanting someone this badly?

She was the one I’d been waiting for—whether my heart was ready or not.

When she hugged Blaze and Diamante, jealousy punched through me. I clenched my fists, hating that I’d assigned them to her—hating that I couldn’t tear my gaze away.

Diamante, ever the flirt, slipped her robe from her shoulders and reached for the sunscreen. She let him, all cool and pleased. It made me burn, watching.

Diamante handed her the bottle. “Your turn to lotion me up,” he grinned, putting it in her hand.

"Oh, is that so?”

I tried to sound cool, but my hands shook as I rubbed lotion on Diamante’s shoulders and back. Then he turned to face me, eyes locking with mine, and my breath caught.

“A little on my chest, too?” he asked, voice low, pushing the moment further.

“Can’t you do that yourself?” I teased, but my voice shook just enough to give me away.

Diamante only grinned. “Sure. But it’s more fun this way.”

He made me smile. God, he was gorgeous. I tried to play it cool, but my hand trembled as I smoothed lotion across his broad chest. When I glanced up, his eyes were closed, lips parted in a sigh. My cheeks burned—I could feel his heartbeat in the palm of my hand, and maybe, just maybe, he could feel mine.

"Okay, that’s enough! Blaze, save me!” I laughed as Blaze swooped me into his arms and sprinted toward the waves. Diamante chased us, laughter erupting around us like fireworks.

I shrieked as Blaze hurled me into the water, Diamante’s laughter echoing after me. The shock of the waves was nothing—I was a swimmer, after all. A wicked impulse hit: I stayed under, counting the seconds, listening to their panic. When I popped up, both guys were in the water, eyes wild, searching for me.

Their faces were priceless when I surfaced, grinning. I dove and flipped, showing off, feeling more alive than I had in years. Blaze and Diamante tried to keep up, but I left them both in my wake.

“You should see your faces!” I teased, laughter bubbling up uncontrollably.

MYSTERY MAN (POV):

From my vantage point, I stood watching them—her laughter ringing out, the sun glinting off her wet hair. My jealousy burned brighter than ever. I’d assigned Blaze and Diamante to entertain her, but now I wished it was me at her side. I gripped the binoculars tighter, aching to crash into her life and let the sparks fly.

The reports said she was smart, sensitive, witty—a woman with desire but fire beneath the surface. And if the way she looked at those two was any clue, she could be passionate, if only she let herself trust.

I want her.

I always went after what I wanted; I’ll deal with the consequences. But for the first time, I hesitated.

She deserved the truth—about who I was, about why she was here.

But if I told her, would I lose my chance at the one thing I craved most?

My decision had to come soon.

Tonight, everything will change.