Aria’s POV“Yeah, she’s not worth your attention,” Maira adds, her voice firm. “You’re on the verge of something fun. Just think about how this vacation could change everything for you, Aria. New experiences, new perspectives! Imagine all the opportunities waiting for you out there. Just breathe it in.”I nod, letting their words wash over me like a soothing mantra. Perhaps they are right. Perhaps this is a chance, a turning point I need desperately. With a lighter heart, I ask, “Okay, so what’s the first thing we’re going to do when we arrive?”Emily grins, “Hit the beach, of course! Then we head to that bar Maira scheduled for drinks and live music. We’ll make friends, dance like nobody’s watching, and just embrace everything this trip has to offer!”****Soon enough, our flight is called, and we board. We have already taken out our masks, and I sink into my seat on the cramped airplane, grateful that my flight to Paulos Island is finally about to take off. It feels like a well-dese
Aria’s POV“I might have just met someone,” I confess, biting my lip to suppress a smile, already knowing they won’t let it go.“Oh? Anyone interesting?” Maira probes, her eyes wide open with interest, fully awake now.“Let’s just say... if I see him again, we might just have some fun on this island!” I laugh, my heart racing thinking back to the wild promise I just made.“Details! We need all the details!” Emily presses, pulling me closer as we walk toward the baggage claim.“Let’s just say,” I whisper conspiratorially, “he might be the kind of guy who’s up for a little more than just flirting.”“Woahhhhh! You went that far?!” Emily exclaims, her eyes wide. “Damn girl, that seems almost impossible to see you do. What in the world came over you?”Thinking about it… What has even come over me? I left home a few hours ago, feeling distraught, tired, and pissed off as hell—but now I’m flirting with some handsome stranger. Talk about randomness.“Well, not that I'm complaining anyway. You
Aria’s POV“Are you ready to steal the night?” Emily adds, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.“Oh, you bet I am!” I reply, feeling the thrill course through my veins.The energy between us crackles like electricity as we stand, ready to embrace the night, whatever it might bring. I have a feeling it has plenty in store for us. With one final glance in the mirror, we adjust our outfits, making sure every detail is perfect before heading out. The anticipation in the air is palpable, and I can practically taste the excitement.As we step into the vibrant nightlife of the city, the sounds of laughter and music surround us, pulling us into the pulsating heart of the party. Bright lights flash against the darkness of the street, guiding our path to the club.As we reach the entrance of the club, I feel a rush of exhilaration. I take a deep breath, feeling alive in a way I haven’t in a long time. This is exactly what I need—a night fueled by laughter, dancing, and possibilities.T
Aria’s POV“Uh-oh, I think I might have to challenge your dancing skills,” Sebastian teases, leaning into the playful atmosphere.“I’ll take you down!” I shoot back, my cheeks flushed with laughter.We dance under the stars, moving freely and unabashedly like no one is watching. The music from downstairs pulses through the ground beneath us, and I can feel it resonating through my body. As the night wears on, we take turns twirling and spinning each other, sharing dizzying laughter that seems to echo into the night.“See? This is already a better memory,” Sebastian says as he spins me in yet another wild twirl, our laughter echoing off the rooftop walls.Just then, I notice the vibrancy of the party below drawing me back toward the door once again. “I should check on my friends,” I say, reluctantly stepping back from the railing. “They came out with me tonight, and I don’t want to leave them hanging.”“Good call.” Sebastian nods, though there is a hint of disappointment in his eyes.A
AT THE BARMaira’s POVThe bar is alive with energy, music pulsating through the air as I scan the crowd, my eyes landing on Emily. She leans against the bar, her laughter ringing out like a challenge. We have never been friends—far from it. We have danced around each other with verbal jabs and icy glances, a rivalry that sparks tension and animosity. But tonight, fueled by alcohol and adrenaline, that tension feels different, more electric. I don’t like the way the guys are trying to impress her. Sure, she is definitely pretty, but in that outfit? Lethal is much more accurate.“Can you believe we’re stuck in the same place?” Emily shouts over the music, her voice dripping with mockery while a sly smile plays on her lips.“Trust me, I’d rather be anywhere else. All these boys hanging off you is annoying enough. I need to breathe,” I shoot back, yet even I can hear the wavering in my tone. Something about the moment catches me off-guard, the tension crackling between us more palpable
Aria’s POVThis is definitely not my room. Gathering from the arms wrapped around me… this is as sure as hell not my bed. WHAT THE FUCK! I scream internally and try to slip away from whoever is crushing me in a bear hug. What the heck is his name? Sloan? Seb? I know it starts with an S, but I have no idea exactly what it is. All I know is that I need to get out of here, and I need to do it fast. But before I can make a move, the guy behind me groans and shifts to get up. He walks out of the room, and I hear him move down the stairs, and in that instant, all the memories from yesterday flood in… Sitting up slowly, the sheets slide off my bare legs, and a dull ache radiates through my body, making my heart race as snippets of the night resurface. Sebastian. The rooftop dancing, laughter, drinks, and the wild decision to leave the club together... and then... Oh God. I feel heat rush to my cheeks as the realization hits me like a wave. We end up here, in his house on the islan
Emily’s POVI wake up to the soft glow of the island's morning sunlight filtering through the white curtains. It casts a warm, golden hue that usually brings me some comfort. But today? It’s like a spotlight on my throbbing headache. “Ugh,” I groan, turning to the side and reaching for the water glass on the nightstand. The coolness feels strange against my dry lips.As I sip the water, memories from last night flood back—vivid and raw, filled with both excitement and confusion. Maira. I can see her smile, hear her laughter, and feel the warmth of her body next to mine. But then it hits me—she’s gone. I look around the room and I can't believe it.“Where is she?” I whisper to myself, my heart sinking. “How can she just run away after everything we shared?”Just then, I curse under my breath. “How dare she leave after what happened? It doesn’t matter if she was drunk! She shouldn’t have taken off out of nowhere!”I had wanted to stop her so badly when she woke up, but I couldn't. Ther
The late afternoon sun spilled into the hotel room as I approached the door, feeling a knot of anticipation and anxiety twist in my stomach. It’s time to meet up with Aria and Maira. After a wild and somewhat subtle morning, I knock, trying to shake off the strange tension hanging over my head.“Emily! Come in!” Aria’s voice comes from the other side, her excitement clear.I walk in and see her sprawled on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Maira is perched at the edge, her gaze focused on the screen. Something feels off; the energy is cold, and our usual back-and-forth banter is missing. Shit, this couldn't go on.“Hey, Maira,” I say, forcing a smile.“Hi, Emily,” she nods, barely looking up. The silence stretches, and I can’t shake the feeling that something's wrong.Aria sits up, a puzzled expression on her face. “You two seem... quiet. What’s going on? You’re acting weird.”“We’re fine!” I blurt out, maybe a bit too loudly. “Right, Maira?”“Sure,” she says, glancing at me be