𝑀𝒶𝓃 𝑜𝒻 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝒶 | 𝟏𝟖+

5.

Ellianna Kingston

I liked Naida. She took me shopping all around the boat, showing me those hidden nooks where I could find a little peace and quiet. I could easily see myself being her friend even after the cruise ended.

After we got our drinks—a margarita served in a pineapple that I knew I wouldn't finish—we parted ways. I even mentioned the mystery man from last night; Naida looked oddly familiar, almost like him. Same bone structure, and the same hair color, and they both shared that enigmatic vibe. It felt like a small world.

She gave me her number to meet up tomorrow since we'd be stopping at the first island. I looked it up online; it boasted a beautiful beach and a bright blue ocean that I was dying to swim in.

Back in my room, I turned on the television and started munching on the candy we picked up from the shop. That's when Naida pointed out the hickeys on my neck. I thought my hoodie would cover them, but apparently not, so I spilled everything.

She seemed taken aback as if she couldn't believe I'd slept with someone I'd just met. But then she confessed she was planning to do the same, so she couldn't judge.

After a few hours of watching whatever random show was on, I found myself bored but not tired. I checked the app, only to see everything was closed except for the lounge where I spent most of my time. I loved that egg chair.

I grabbed my tote bag, slipped on some shoes, and headed out to the deck to look over the water.

As expected, the lounge was nearly empty, except for a few workers. I ordered a water and settled in to finish my book—a murder mystery, my favorite genre. Naida had unfortunately interrupted just as the plot was getting thrilling.

I used to dislike reading, but I found myself captivated when a book sparked deep thoughts. The anticipation of uncovering the answer on the next page was exhilarating.

Just as I was about to turn the page, I felt a presence beside me. I looked up to see the man who had sent me screaming in pleasure last night, a smile gracing his lips. "Elle," he whispered, stepping closer to my chair. I sat up, ready to flee, wishing we could pretend we didn't have to talk. But his smile faltered.

"No. Lay back down." His voice was low and assertive, and for some reason, I complied. "What do you want?"

He settled into the spot next to mine, closing the gap between us, yet still not answering my question. "Why did you leave last night?" His eyes held a depth I couldn't quite place. "What did you expect? It's just sex." He looked surprised that I brought it up first.

Better to cut to the chase.

"Great sex. Amazing, even." I avoided his gaze, staring back out at the glassy ocean, calm with gentle waves.

"You're beautiful, Elle." He said this as he reached out, gently playing with a strand of my hair. Despite the flutter in my stomach, I knew it was vital to take my time before moving on. I wasn't the type of girl to chase after something physical, and I wasn't about to change now. Spending the rest of my time with him felt pointless. Plus, it had barely been a day. Not even twenty-four hours. Why was he so invested?

Noticing my silence, he pulled his hand away, resting it on my thigh. I wanted to move it off, yet I couldn't find the will to do it. "What's the worst that can happen?"

He fucks me over like Lukas did.

But he didn't know that, and I wasn't about to trauma dump on him. I'd save that for Naida.

"Just think about it, love." He leaned down, quickly kissing my head before standing and walking away, leaving me with no chance to respond.

I didn't know. I truly had no idea what to do. I didn't want to get hurt again, especially now that I was finally reclaiming myself. But I also didn't want to miss out on what Kairos could offer beyond the best sex I'd ever had.