“No,” I said in a voice so low that it sounded so tender. “I did it for us.”
I reached into my pocket, pulling out a small envelope.
“Take it,” I told her, holding it out.
She swallowed, her fingers trembling slightly as she took it and pulled the flap open.
Her eyes scanned the two sleekly printed tickets inside. The words jumped out at her almost instantly.
“Maldives?!” She blinked up at me with a gasp. “One whole week in Maldives?”
I nodded. “We leave in six days. Just the two of us.”
For a moment, she just stared at the tickets as if trying to convince herself this was real.
She was never allowed to go on such vacations-courtesy at me -until she turned twenty-one. But I was breaking all those rules. Although, with me in the picture.
Then, in a rush, she threw her arms around me.
I caught her easily, my arms locking around her waist as she pressed her face into my chest, inhaling deeply.
“You like it?” I murmured against her hair, inhaling her scent.
She pulled back, looking up at me with so much adoration that I wished I could live in that moment forever. “I love it!”
I reached for her chin, tilting her face upward. “Good. Because I’m not done yet.”
I let go of her, stepping past her toward the closet. Pulling the doors open, I gestured for her to come closer. Inside, neatly arranged, was a collection of outfits-flowy dresses, swimsuits, sandals, accessories-all handpicked for her. Light fabrics, soft colors. Everything that screamed her.
I heard her soft intake of breath.
“These are…” She reached out hesitantly, touching the fabric of one of the dresses. “You picked these?”
I gave her a look. “Who else?” Even though I had help from that jerk, I called my friend, Norlan, who was still not back yet. Although he promised to return in a few days, only a fool would take his word for it.
Her lips curved, but she still looked stunned. “You bought me an entirely new wardrobe?”
“Not entirely, Just for the trip.”
She turned fully, resting her back against the closet as she stared at me. “Kester… I don’t even know what to say…” The way she said my name-it did something to me.
I stepped closer, placing my hands on rside of her against the wood. “Say thank you, Kasmine.”
She bit her lip, tilting her head playfully. “What if I don’t?
I chuckled, leaning in, my mouth grazing the shell of her ear. “Then I’ll make you.”
KASMINE.
I was about to live my best life. Just a few days from now, I be in the Maldives.
The Maldives.
For years, I’d dreamed of it-soft white sand slipping between my toes, an endless stretch of blue water meeting the sky, the kind of place where freedom felt special and within reach.
It always seemed so Impossible, like a fantasy for someone else, because no matter how much I longed for it, Kester always had the final say.
And he always said no.
Until now.
Excitement bubbled inside me, so strong it made my fingers tremble as I gripped the glass of orange juice.
Even though I was being given this freedom by the same person who had withheld it, it was still thrilling. And even though I had dreamt of going with Claire. It was still okay. I believe it should still mean as much to me with Kester by my side.
I should have been frustrated. I should have been resentful. But all I could feel was this dizzy, guilty sort of gratitude.
Even if the strings were still there and I could feel them wrapping tighter around me, I wanted this. I wanted to step onto that plane. I wanted to see what it was like to exist outside the bubble he had built around me, even if he was still the one holding my leash
The water was warm, but his touch burned hotter as strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me into the solid heat of his bare chest. I gasped, my body citing at the contrast of wet skin against wet skin, but Kester only tightened his grip, holding me against him like I belonged there.
“Thinking about me?” His voice was low and teasing, right beside my ear. His breath, so warm against the cool evening air, sent a shiver down my spine.
Before I could respond, he turned me to face him.
His dark, wet hair slicked against his forehead, water clinging to his tanned skin like glistening jewels. Droplets ran in slow, lazy paths down the sharp angles of his jaw, his collarbones, and the ridges of his chest.
His eyes… Those eyes that kept holding me captive-deep green, hungry, and locked onto me like I was the only thing worth looking at.
A slow smile curved his lips.
“Kasmine…” He said my name like a prayer… Like it was sacred.
“Hey “I wrapped my arms around his neck while he pulled me closer, holding my waist firmly as if to keep me from sinking into the depths of the pool. Or maybe into him
“You’re shivering,” he murmured, his fingers tracing a slow, intentional path down my spine,
“I-I’m not.. I’m not cold.” I managed.
Liar.
I wasn’t cold, yes, but I was trembling. From the heat in his gaze. From the way his fingers curled around my hips, pressing me against him, making sure I felt every inch of him beneath the water.
Kester’s smirk deepened. He knew.
“You weren’t too excited about this at first,” he mused, his hand sliding up my side, his thumb grazing the curve of my ribcage.
I swallowed hard. “I didn’t have a choice.”
“You never do,” he murmured, dipping his head slightly.
A fresh wave of heat pooled in my stomach at the way he said it-low, dark, unapologetic.
No, I never did have a choice. Kester didn’t ask. He decided. And I obeyed. Whether I liked it or not.
He had invited me to the pool with him. He wanted us to relax and enjoy the evening swim together in each other’s arms. And as weird as it sounded at first to me, this was Kester. There was no saying no to him. No matter how weird I think they are, I would have to get used to these things.
His nose brushed against mine, and his touch felt like a waming and a promise all in one.
‘Kasmine.” He tilted my chin up with one finger, his lips hovering over mine. So close. Too close.
We stood at the edge of the pool with my back resting against the cold tiles.
His other hand slid lower, fingers grazing my thigh beneath the water, parting them before guiding my left leg to rest on his waist. “Ever fucked in a pool before?” He whispered, and I was certain I spilled my juices in the pool.
I was too shy to hold his gaze, but I did. “No…” I answered timidly, even though I knew the question didn’t need. an answer.
Then let me do the honors,” he smirked as his fingers found my clit, “Always keep your eyes on me, Kasmine,” He commanded when I tried to close my eyes in pleasure.
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