"What is this?" He asked, fumbling with my old iPod.
"Don't touch that!" I ran over to him, snatching the device out of his hand as he yelled in surprise.
"Please. Let me see this." He begged, his eyes gleaming as the sunlight shone upon it, reflecting his youth.
"I-I can't. It's personal. I've never shown it to anyone before." I said, hesitantly.
"Well let me be the first. I promise I won't judge." Still, I shook my head uneasily.
"It's a private part of me." I replied, stuffing the old thing into my pockets.
"Please." He said, showing off his irresistible puppy dog eyes, melting my heart.
"Fine." I said, shaking my head as I handed over the iPod.
Only he had the power to persuade me despite my stubbornness.
"There's nothing on here. No games or anything, just a playlist of songs." He sighed, giving up on the old thing.
"It tells a story." I smiled as he eyes lit up.
"A story? What kind of story?" He asked, anxiously.
"It all began with the birth of a baby girl..."
A trip to Fiji with her dismissive boyfriend and his alluring mother lands Valentina into the most unexpected romance of her lifetime.
*****
College student Valentina has been at a standstill in her relationship for three years, so when her boyfriend invites her on vacation to Fiji with his estranged fashion designer mother, Val can't think of anything worse. Mothers-in-law are notoriously one of the most dreadful aspects of a committed relationship, right? But nobody prepared Val for the aloof, refined Diana, who at first seems to absolutely detest her but soon warms under the tropical sun. As a unique and steamy connection sizzles and the two begin sneaking around, Val wonders if she's finally found the love she's been looking for in the most unexpected of places. But can their spark last, and is it worth what it will cost them?
WARNING: This story contains mature themes such as depictions of domestic abuse and coercion that may be upsetting to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.