The Queens of San Diego (18+)

Chapter 18

Izzy

I wake up to a pounding headache, my head swimming from all the wine we drank last night. It was supposed to be a fun, lighthearted dinner, but like everything with our group, it escalated into drama and a little too much alcohol. My mouth feels dry, and my body is heavy, but despite the hangover fog, I can't help but smile. Last night was wild, but I'm surrounded by friends I love.

The soft glow of morning light filters through the curtains, and I notice Conrad isn't next to me. I hear some movement, and there he is, already up and doing something at the small kitchen counter. I watch him for a moment, appreciating how peaceful he looks even after a crazy night. His long, messy hair falls into his eyes, and there's something so grounded about the way he moves. How did I get so lucky?

"Morning, love," Conrad says softly, noticing that I'm awake. He's holding a steaming mug in his hands, something earthy and herbal, and the scent fills the room. "I made you an herbal drink. Trust me, it'll help with that hangover."

I groan, trying to sit up, feeling the effects of the wine hit me hard. "You're a lifesaver."

Conrad walks over, handing me the drink. I take a sip, and it's bitter but surprisingly soothing. "How are you not feeling like death?" I ask, genuinely curious how he can function while I feel like I've been run over by a truck.

He chuckles, his soft laugh making me feel a little better already. "Years of experience," he says with a wink. "But don't worry, I've got another remedy that'll make you feel even better."

He climbs back into bed, and before I can ask what he's talking about, his lips are on mine, gentle but insistent. He shifts lower, kissing down my body, and I know exactly what he's planning. My breath catches as his mouth finds its way between my legs.

Conrad's hands are firm on my hips as he starts to work his magic. The way his tongue moves, the pressure he applies, it's like he knows exactly how to drive me crazy. I can't help but lose myself in the sensation, my body responding to his every touch. He's not just good—he's incredible. My fingers grip the sheets as waves of pleasure roll through me.

I've always loved Conrad's personality, his free-spirited, calm energy, the way he looks at the world differently. But moments like this? They're a reminder of just how irresistible he really is.

After our little morning adventure, Conrad and I get dressed and head out to meet the rest of the group. The hangover is still lingering, but Conrad's "special remedy" definitely helped wake me up in more ways than one. I feel lighter, more relaxed, and excited for today. It's our last full day in Iceland, and we've saved the Blue Lagoon for last—a perfect way to end the trip.

We step out of our suite and make our way to the lobby, where the rest of the crew is already waiting. JJ and Lukas are standing close, and it's clear they've made some kind of peace. They're not all over each other, but there's a softness between them that wasn't there yesterday. It makes me smile. Desmond and Martina are chatting animatedly about something that seems scandalous, judging by their hushed tones and raised eyebrows.

"Everyone ready for some Blue Lagoon magic?" I ask as we pile into the Mercedes sprinter van. It's big enough to hold us all and, more importantly, our never-ending supply of luggage.

Conrad slides into the driver's seat, his usual calm energy radiating off him. I climb into the passenger seat beside him, and we share a quick look—a look that says, Can you believe we get to do this? Behind us, JJ and Lukas are tucked into the backseat, low-key cuddling, while Martina and Desmond are deep in conversation, probably spilling more tea. The vibe is light, happy, and relaxed, which is exactly what we all need after the intense ups and downs of this trip.