𝐄𝐙𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐋 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

3

As I wandered down the dimly lit path towards the shoreline, I couldn’t help but feel a slight worry gnawing at me. Ezekiel hadn’t returned to the party, and he’d seemed off during our dance, like he was fighting something just beneath the surface. I tried to push the thought aside, chalking it up to one too many glasses of champagne or maybe the energy of the evening catching up with him.

By the time it was past ten, I decided to call it a night. I bid the bride and groom farewell and left Suzette to enjoy her family’s company without interruption.

My head was buzzing from the evening’s excitement and the drinks, so I slipped out of my heels, craving the cool, grounding feel of sand beneath my feet. The beach was serene, the moon casting a silvery glow over the waves that lapped softly against the shore. I walked along the water’s edge, letting the gentle ocean breeze clear my mind. But, even in the quiet of the night, my thoughts kept drifting back to Ezekiel—his easy smile, the way he’d held me during our dance, and the depth in his gaze that hinted at something unspoken.

As I strolled further along the beach, a wooden path leading toward a pier caught my eye, where several yachts rested in peaceful silence. Drawn by curiosity, I wandered down the path, admiring the sleek vessels, each one a vision of luxury and promise. A part of me wondered what it would be like to sail under the stars, the waves rocking gently beneath a vast, open sky.

My attention fell on the largest yacht docked at the end of the pier. It was beautiful, with sleek lines and the letter “M” painted in elegant script along the side. I took a step closer, captivated by the yacht’s majesty, wondering who it belonged to.

But then, a shadow moved near the edge of the yacht, catching me by surprise. I squinted, and my breath hitched as I realized who it was.

"Ezekiel?" I called softly, barely trusting my voice.

He turned, his gaze meeting mine. Under the moonlight, his face was illuminated, and there was an intensity in his eyes I hadn’t noticed before. He looked different—more vulnerable, as if caught in a moment he hadn’t expected anyone to witness.

“Akira,” he replied, his voice low, carrying over the stillness of the night.

I took a few tentative steps closer, feeling my pulse quicken as I approached. “Are you alright? You disappeared from the party, and I was a bit worried.”

He looked down for a moment, as if weighing his words. “I… I needed some air,” he finally said, his gaze shifting to the horizon. “Being around people sometimes… gets a bit overwhelming.”

There was something deeper in his tone, a hint of turmoil he was holding back. The breeze lifted his hair, casting shadows across his strong features, and I found myself drawn to him even more, despite the mystery lingering between us.

“I know what you mean,” I replied. “Sometimes, the crowd and the noise can feel a bit much.”

Ezekiel’s gaze held mine for a long, lingering moment, and then, with a subtle nod toward the yacht, he broke the silence.

“Want to come aboard?” he asked, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “I could show you around if you’re up for a little adventure.”

The offer caught me off guard, but I felt a thrill run through me. There was something magnetic about him, a sense of ease and charm that made it impossible to say no. I glanced down at my bare feet, then back up at him, my curiosity overpowering any hesitation.

“Sure,” I said, smiling back, “as long as you promise not to sail off and abandon me somewhere in the middle of the ocean.”

He chuckled, extending a hand to help me onto the deck. His hand was warm and steady, and as I took it, I felt a spark, an unspoken connection that seemed to deepen the moment. I stepped carefully onto the yacht, marveling at its polished wood and elegant design.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmured, running my fingers along the railing as I took it all in. “Is it… yours?”

Ezekiel nodded, a touch of pride in his eyes. “Yeah, she’s mine. I keep her here whenever I visit. It’s my little escape when I’m in town.”

We moved deeper into the yacht, and he guided me past the sleek seating area and into a cozy cabin with soft lighting and plush seats. The space was designed for relaxation—refined but inviting, the kind of place made for intimate conversations and quiet moments away from the world.

“So, Mr. Yacht Owner,” I teased as I settled into one of the seats. “Do you come here often to unwind?”

“Whenever I’m here,” he said with a grin, sitting across from me. “It’s a good place to clear my mind. The ocean does wonders for perspective.”

The yacht rocked gently in the water, and the moonlight glistened off the waves, filling the room with a soft, almost ethereal glow. I glanced out the window at the vast sea before turning back to Ezekiel, feeling both the peacefulness of the setting and a growing closeness between us.

“Thank you for bringing me here,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I can see why you love it. It’s peaceful... a real escape.”

His gaze softened, and he leaned back, his eyes never leaving mine. “Some nights,” he said quietly, “it’s the only place I feel like I can be myself. Away from everything else... just me, the ocean, and the stars.”

His words lingered between us, the silence between us thickening as I processed the rare vulnerability in his voice. It was clear there was more to him than I’d realized, something deeper that he kept hidden from the world.

Then, his expression lightened as he leaned forward slightly, a playful glint appearing in his eyes. “So, now that you’re on my yacht, where would you want to go, if you could sail anywhere?”

I smiled, the possibilities filling my mind. “Anywhere?” I asked, a teasing edge to my voice. “Take me somewhere unexpected. Somewhere I can forget everything for a little while.”

Ezekiel’s gaze softened further, and he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Then we’ll find that place tonight,” he whispered, his voice low, promising an adventure I was eager to embark on.