The Russian Billionaire's Secret Heir

Chapter 3

As Chase finished the last of his beer, he caught a glimpse of Iris's presence in the fading light, and it struck him how captivating she looked. The way she moved along the beach, her confidence radiating with every step, left him momentarily mesmerized.

Her hair danced in the breeze, and the glow of the moon highlighted her features, making her appear almost ethereal. He couldn't help but admire her beauty, which seemed to shine brighter against the backdrop of the ocean.

"Wow," he murmured under his breath, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. There was something enchanting about the scene: the rhythmic sound of the waves, the vibrant white color of the moon, and Iris, with her effortless grace.

Iris was moving a little closer to where Chase was standing, unaware that he was watching her intently. Suddenly, she stripped off her cover-up, revealing a stunning two-piece swimsuit, and walked confidently toward the sea.

Chase's heart raced, and he couldn't help but clear his throat, trying to regain his composure. The sight of her, framed by the shining moon and the shimmering waves, was captivating.

He felt a mix of admiration and desire as she turned her head slightly, glancing back at him with a playful smile. The moment felt electric, and he was struck by the beauty of it all.

"Hey!" he called out, his voice slightly unsteady. "Isn't the water freezing?"

"Absolutely!" she replied, her laughter ringing out over the sound of the waves. "The water's amazing! You should join me!"

For a brief moment, he hesitated, caught between the urge to dive in with her and the lingering worries from earlier. But the allure of the moment was too strong to resist. With a grin, he decided to take the plunge, both literally and figuratively, and jogged after her into the water.

Both of them waded into the sea, the cool water refreshing against their skin. Chase couldn't help but admire Iris as they splashed around.

"You're brave enough to strip and go into the water at this time," he remarked, glancing at her with a playful smirk.

"I'm feeling hot, you know? So it doesn't matter if I strip," she replied softly, her confidence shining through.

For a few seconds, they held each other's gaze, the playful energy between them palpable. Iris then tilted her head slightly and asked, "What about you? What are you even doing out here in the middle of the night?"

Chase chuckled, feeling a bit more relaxed. "My villa is right there," he said, pointing back toward the shore. "I just needed a break."

Iris smiled, the tension from earlier easing as they splashed each other playfully. "Well, I'm glad you came out. It's nice to share the ocean with someone," she said, her voice carrying a hint of warmth.

"You don't know me," Chase replied, his tone shifting slightly as he felt the intensity of the moment change.

Iris paused, her playful smile fading as a more seductive look replaced it. Her eyes sparkled with intrigue, and the atmosphere around them seemed to thicken with unspoken tension.

"True, but I'm curious," she said softly, taking a step closer. "Maybe we could change that."

Chase felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The ocean waves lapped around them, but the heat between them felt electric. "What do you want to know?" he asked, his voice lower, matching the shift in the air.

Iris tilted her head, her gaze unwavering. "Everything. But let's start with, are you with someone else?"

Chase swallowed hard, captivated by her presence. "No," he admitted, his vulnerability hanging in the air between them.

Her expression shifted slightly, curiosity mingling with a hint of relief. "Really? I wouldn't have guessed," she said softly, a smile creeping back onto her lips.

He raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

Iris shrugged playfully, the tension easing just a bit. "You seem like the kind of guy who would have someone waiting back home. Charming, successful..."

Chase chuckled, shaking his head. "Looks can be deceiving. Who knows? I might just end up spending the night with you."

Iris raised an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Oh really? Is that an invitation?"

"Maybe it is," he teased, his heart racing a little at the thought. "But only if you can keep up."

"Challenge accepted," she shot back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. The playful banter was infectious, and they both felt the chemistry crackling between them.

"Just so you know, I'm not an easy person to handle," she added, taking a step closer, the water swirling around their ankles.

"Good to know," Chase replied, feeling a rush of adrenaline. "I like a challenge."

The air between them shifted again, charged with possibility. The moon cast a warm glow around them, making the moment feel even more intimate. Chase realized that whatever uncertainty they both felt earlier was melting away in the warmth of the connection they were forming.

"Let's see where the night takes us," Iris said softly, her gaze locking onto his.