Chapter 2

MIRA

After I step out of my hotel room, the soft click of the door shutting behind me echoes through the empty hallway. The corridors of the resort are quiet this early in the morning, a sharp contrast to the raucous partying from the night before. My sister and her friends are likely still tangled in their bedsheets, dead to the world after celebrating her twenty-first birthday extravaganza.

I can still hear their laughter ringing in my ears, their shouts of "One more drink!" spiraling through the air as I politely declined yet another round. I'm not much of a drinker and I'm an early riser by nature. When my eyes popped open with the sunrise, the allure of a peaceful breakfast by the ocean was too tempting to pass up.

The elevator doors slide open with a soft ding, and I step inside, the golden-hued interior enveloping me in warmth. As I reach out to press the lobby button, the doors start to close, only to reopen seconds later as someone else rushes in.

Not just someone. Three someones.

Tall, dark, and undeniably handsome, the men fill the elevator with an almost tangible presence. The one in the middle catches my eye immediately. His dark gaze locks onto mine, and the air around us seems to shift. It's as though the world slows for a moment, leaving just the two of us standing in the suspended quiet.

"Morning," I manage, my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest. Holy cow. Talk about tall, dark, and handsome. This man has it in spades.

"Morning," he responds, his deep voice rich and resonant. His dark eyes continue to hold mine, and I feel a strange magnetic pull between us.

I glance at the other two men, who exchange a silent, understanding look, before turning back to their silent leader. Their observation seems more protective than curious.

There's a moment of awkward silence before my nervousness causes my mouth to run away without consulting my brain. "Are you here on vacation, too?" It feels like such an ordinary question, but somehow, asking it doesn't feel ordinary at all. When in the world did I become so chatty?

"In a manner of speaking," the man replies, his lips curling into an enigmatic hint of a smile. "And you?"

I can't help but notice the slight accent, wondering if it's maybe Italian. "I'm here for my sister's birthday. She and her friends are all sleeping in, so I'm taking the opportunity to enjoy a quiet morning." I internally roll my eyes, calling myself silly for explaining all this to three men who obviously don't care why I'm in Nassau.

The handsome man in the middle nods, understanding lighting his eyes. "Early morning before the world wakes up and reality comes rushing in is the best time to enjoy the peace."

I smile, appreciating his words. "Exactly. Plus, the breakfast here is amazing."

His gaze softens just a touch, and I swear, for a second, his serious demeanor cracks, revealing something warmer underneath. "I'm sorry I won't have the opportunity to give it a try, but business is calling me."

I laugh lightly, the tension in the elevator easing fractionally. "It is a shame because the eggs benedict and mimosas are to die for." There goes my runaway mouth again.

There's a moment where I almost invite him to join, but the elevator dings, announcing our arrival at the lobby. The doors open, and the cool lobby air rushes in.

As we step out, his companions fall into step beside him. Their presence, though imposing, seems natural as if they're protectors or maybe loyal friends. I can't quite place it, but something about the way they move tells me there's more to them than meets the eye.

"I hope you enjoy your breakfast," he says, breaking my reverie.

"Thank you. And good luck with your business," I reply, feeling oddly flushed.

We part ways in the lobby, me heading toward the dining area and them toward the exit. But before we disappear entirely from each other's view, I glance back to find him doing the same. Our eyes meet once more, and for a fleeting second, the rest of the world fades away again. My heart does a funny little dance in my chest as the world tilts under my feet.

I can't help but wonder who he is, what business brought him to this island, and why a simple elevator ride made me feel like I'd stepped into someone else's story, if only for a moment.

Shaking off the strange encounter, I make my way to the terrace, the promise of a quiet breakfast beckoning. Yet, even as I sit down and place my order, I can't shake the feeling that, in that brief, charged moment, my world shifted ever so slightly.

And I can't help but hope I'll get the opportunity to stare into those captivating eyes again.

The terrace is a perfect oasis, bathed in the soft golden light of the early morning sun. The sea breeze carries the scent of salt and tropical flowers, mingling with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I sit at a secluded table, the rustle of palms and distant cries of seagulls my only company.

My breakfast arrives: a plate of fresh tropical fruit, a warm croissant, and a steaming cup of coffee. As I reach for my fork, my phone buzzes on the table.

It's a text from my sister, and I can almost hear her groggy voice as I read it.

Little sis

Hey, where'd you go?

Smiling, I take a quick sip of my coffee before replying.

Me

Went out for breakfast. You guys were all still out cold. Figured I'd let you sleep.

Moments later, her response comes through.

Little sis

You should've woken us! This is an all-girls trip, remember?

I can't help but laugh. Even though I love my sister to pieces, she always did have a flair for drama.

Me

I know, I know. But trust me, you needed the sleep after last night. I'm just down on the main restaurant terrace. Come join me if you're up for it!

I put my phone aside and savor a bite of ripe mango, its sweetness a delicious counterpoint to the robust coffee. Lost in the tranquility of the moment, I completely forget about the handsome stranger from the elevator.

The soft murmur of resort staff and the distant sound of waves crashing set a serene backdrop. Guests begin to trickle into the dining area, but I am happily ensconced in my little corner of peace.

Another text buzzes.

Little sis

Ugh, too tired to move right now. Maybe in a bit. What's for breakfast?

I chuckle, picturing my sister buried under a mountain of pillows and blankets. I pick up my phone and snap a quick picture of my breakfast spread before sending it to her.

Me

Fresh fruit, croissant, and coffee. It's amazing. You'd love it!

Her reply is almost instant.

Little sis

Sounds fantastic! Fine, I'll join you in a bit. I need all the coffee!

I sip my coffee, relishing its warmth and depth. As much as I love my sister's company, this quiet time alone is precious, a rare opportunity to reflect and recharge.

My eyes wander to the glistening ocean beyond the terrace, the waves rolling in gentle, rhythmic patterns. I think about the night before and the laughter, the dancing, and the toasts to my sister's old age. It's a joyous occasion, one that makes all the late nights and early mornings worth it.

Another ping from my phone brings me back.

Little sis

Okay, I'm up. Order me a mimosa and eggs benedict.

I laugh out loud, imagining her perk up at the thought of a morning cocktail.

Me

You got it.

Setting my phone aside, I wave the waiter over and order her breakfast before returning to my fruit and croissant. The papaya is perfectly ripe, bursting with flavor. I close my eyes for a moment, letting the sweetness envelop my senses.

The terrace starts to fill up a bit more, the buzz of conversation building steadily. I glance around, people-watching as new guests arrive—families pouring orange juice, couples sharing secret smiles over their coffee cups, groups of friends animatedly planning their day's adventures.

All of it fills me with a sense of gratitude for this slice of paradise. I'm pulled from my thoughts again as my sister, her hair pulled into a messy ponytail and wearing oversized sunglasses, finally makes her way to my table.

"There you are!" she exclaims, plopping into the chair across from me. "You've got the best spot."

"Told you it was worth getting up for," I say, grinning as I pour her some coffee from the carafe.

Lila takes a sip, letting out a contented sigh. "Okay, you were right. This is perfect." She eyes my plate. "Mind if I steal some of that?"

"Go ahead." I laugh. "I figured you'd be hungry, so I ordered a little extra."