Venom's Alliance: Loyalty's Fracture

Chapter 18

Kalia's POV

I walked over to my suitcase, looking for some comfortable clothes. While part of me wanted to keep my distance and stick to my plan, another part of me craved the chance to explore the local spots I always dreamed about. Hawaii was at the top of my list, and even if I was going to be close to them, I had a plan to keep my distance. The good thing about this trip was that there would be plenty of people from the hotel coming along, so I could easily avoid them. At least that's what I hoped.

I carefully picked out my clothes for the day, aiming for both comfort and style. A light purple gym outfit caught my eye; it was perfect for moving around and staying cool in the sun. The matching set looked good and fit me well. I paired it with my favorite white gym sneakers and a small bag for my essentials: my phone, a bottle of water, and some sunscreen.

Fifteen minutes later, I headed downstairs. The trio was already waiting in the lobby, chatting with the hotel guide. As I approached, Jay's eyes met mine again, and for a moment, everything else disappeared. His gaze was intense, filled with an emotion I couldn't quite figure out. My eyes roamed over his muscular body in casual shorts and a black T-shirt that showed off his defined muscles. I felt a strong urge to touch him, but I shook my head slightly, pushing those thoughts away and focusing on my goal. "Ignore them, stay away, Kalia," I told myself. I couldn't afford to be distracted by my feelings. Soon I joined them, forcing a smile on my face.

"You ready for some adventure, Kalia?" Jake asked, stepping forward with a big grin.

I smiled back, a bit unsure but genuine. "I guess so. Lead the way."

After a long drive, the group began to move, and I fell into step, taking a moment to appreciate the beauty around us. The air was fresh, filled with the earthy scent of leaves and soil, accompanied by the soothing sound of birdsong. Our guide, a guy in his early thirties with sun-kissed skin, blond hair, and a smile straight out of a Hollywood magazine, started prepping us. He explained what to expect in the forest, emphasizing safety and the importance of preserving nature.

It was hard to listen, though, as a woman in her late fifties kept talking over the guide as if it was her job. She wore a bright, flowery dress that clashed with the natural backdrop. Her striking red hair and infectious laugh drowned out the guide's instructions. Next to her was a younger woman, presumably her daughter, also dressed in colorful attire. Her vibrant pink hair and youthful face made her stand out. Both of them continued their chatter, ignoring the guide's words.

Eventually, the guide had enough and politely but firmly asked them to quiet down, allowing us to finally hear the safety brief without interruption.

"So, you know them?" a voice asked, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to see the girl with the pink hair looking at me. She pointed her head slightly behind us, indicating Jay, Jake, and James, who were positioned behind the group due to their height.

"I'm Claire, by the way," she added, extending her hand.

"Kalia. No, I don't know them. I just met them a few minutes ago," I replied, telling a little white lie, hoping to keep my distance from the trio.

Claire, with her clear LA accent, couldn't hide her excitement. "OMG," she exclaimed, drawing some curious glances from nearby people. She turned back to me with a hopeful look. "Can we switch places, pretty please?"

I was secretly relieved by her request, grateful for an excuse to keep some distance from the group. "Sure," I said, trying to sound sweet. Then, unable to resist stirring things up a bit, I added, "But I think they're all in a relationship with each other."

Claire gasped loudly, drawing everyone's attention. Realizing she had just made a scene, she quickly whispered, "Sorry," with a sheepish grin. "No wonder they're so close. Do you think they'd be interested in adding a woman?"