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For the love of God, Thalia, stop thinking about that.
My thoughts spiral dangerously before the captain’s voice thankfully interrupts.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re beginning our descent. I’m glad we had such a smooth flight. And I’d like to welcome you…” There’s a pause, then a chuckle. “Actually, I won’t say where we’re landing. Don’t want to ruin the surprise, or piss off Zayn.”
Laughter ripples through the plane.
“We’ll see you again in a week for your return flight. Enjoy your stay.”
With that, the announcement ends, and the plane starts to descend gently.
I lean my head back, letting the silence fall around us. For a few moments, everyone seems lost in their own thoughts, the hum of the engine the only sound left as we glide through the clouds toward whatever surprise waits below.
On the runway, three sleek black cars are already waiting for us, each with six seats in the back. The drivers quickly load our luggage while we try to decide who’s riding with who.
Sierra and I stick together. Colt, Liam, Nick, and Ethan file into one car first, and then Nick reaches out his hand, helping Sierra in before turning to me and doing the same.
Once we are all settled, the engines hum to life, and our convoy rolls out of the private airstrip.
I still have no clue where we are. I didn’t even manage to catch the license plate of the car.
But the mystery doesn’t last long—just as we leave the airfield, a large sign comes into view, written in bold letters—“Zanzibar.”
“Zanzibar?” Sierra blurts out, her tone full of surprise. “We’re in Africa?”
“Holy fuck,” is all I can say, staring out the window in disbelief. “I never would have guessed that in a million years.”
“No way,” Nick laughs, shaking his head. “Zayn actually surprised us all. I don’t think anyone saw this coming.”
As we drive further, our excitement only grows. Sierra and I press our faces against the tinted windows like kids, taking in the beauty of the place—the palm trees swaying in the soft breeze, the warm, golden sunlight, the people walking along the roads, smiling, laughing, living.
Our driver, who also turns out to be a local guide, starts explaining bits of history and culture, pointing out colorful markets, beaches, and little villages along the way.
We can barely keep our phones down; we’re taking pictures, filming clips, trying to capture every detail.
“I can’t believe how peaceful and happy this place feels,” Sierra murmurs, almost in awe. “Everyone’s smiling, dancing… it’s like they never have a reason to be upset.”
“It feels like their only purpose is to enjoy life,” I add, unable to stop smiling myself.
Because honestly, how could you not? There’s something about this place—the rhythm of it, the warmth, the people—that instantly calms your heart. It’s like breathing in peace for the first time in forever.
Colt, Liam, and Ethan sit in the row behind us, while Nick is next to Sierra and me. I lean my head back against the seat, turning my face toward the window, ready to take in every sight on the road to the resort.
The air feels different here—warm, humid, alive—and the landscape seems to shimmer beneath the afternoon sun.
On my right, the others keep chatting, laughing quietly, sharing first impressions as they point out the passing scenery on the other side of the car.
Then, suddenly, a low, husky voice brushes my ear. “You good, kitten?”
The sound of his voice—so close, so intimate—makes my skin erupt in goosebumps, and I instinctively flinch.
I can feel his breath ghost against my neck, and that alone is enough to make my pulse quicken. Which, of course, amuses him.
He lets out that dark, quiet laugh of his, the one that always feels like a dare.
I decide to ignore him, refusing to give him the satisfaction of knowing he got to me. But after a few seconds, curiosity wins, and I turn my head slightly to glance behind me.
And there he is.
