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This woman is going to drive me insane if I’m not careful.

“Ready for a swim in the ocean?” Liam’s voice cuts in, pulling me out of it.

I turn to the right, spotting them heading toward me, their steps slow as they sink into the soft sand.

“We figured we’d stay here today,” Kai adds, relaxed. “Take it easy, enjoy the quiet, swim a bit, then grab dinner at the beach restaurant.”

“I’m glad to see you’re not on your laptop,” Aiden says, clapping a hand on my shoulder.

“I answered a few emails on my phone,” I admit.

There’s no point in pretending otherwise. They know me too well. Completely disconnecting isn’t happening. Not even here.

“I’ll still have to take a few calls in the next hours,” I add.

“Are you guys coming or what?” Sierra’s voice comes over the waves.

We all turn.

She’s already in the water with Nick and Thalia.

The three of them stand waist-deep in the turquoise sea, the sun reflecting off the surface in sparkling patterns.

“Is Ethan scared to live without his laptop or phone for more than five minutes?” Thalia calls out, her tone teasing, her smirk visible even from here.

For the briefest moment, it shocks me. It’s the first time she pushes like this in front of the others.

“Or maybe he just doesn’t know how to live without them?” she adds, and laughter breaks out around me.

I don’t answer.

I just smirk, leaning back lightly and keeping my eyes on her. She already knows that look from me says more than any words could.

“Come on, Ethan,” Colt says, grabbing my arm and pulling me with a grin. “Let’s see if you actually know how to swim.”

TWENTY-SEVEN

Thalia

Five days have slipped almost unnoticed, dissolving into one another in a haze of sun, salt, and stolen moments. We’ve taken full advantage of the privacy the resort offers, slipping away to its secluded beach whenever the attention around us during the endless activities became just a little too much.

Each day has brought its own rhythm—exploring nearby, tasting local dishes at seaside restaurants, losing entire hours out on the water, whether paddleboarding, jet-skiing, or drifting above coral reefs with nothing but the sound of our breathing beneath the surface.

Today, we took a yacht out into the open sea. Of course, when you’re vacationing near the guys—honestly, when you’re anywhere near them—everything comes wrapped in luxury.

Sierra and I are stretched out on the deck, soaking in the sun, while the guys are scattered around us—some inside the cabin, others somehow managing to play tennis on the back court. Yes, a tennis court on a yacht. I didn’t believe it either, but apparently, nothing is off-limits in their world.

I’m lying on my stomach, in a two-piece swimsuit, the top unfastened to tan evenly, the warmth of the sun sinking deep into my skin while the breeze brushes over me in slow, lazy strokes, carrying the faint scent of salt and sunscreen.

“I could get used to a life this peaceful,” Sierra murmurs beside me. “But I miss Serena so much. I can’t wait to get home.”

At the sound of her voice, I turn my head, only to find her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“Ser, it’s okay,” I tell her softly. “You know she’s in good hands, right? And she’s doing amazing, you saw the video earlier. All her grandparents are spoiling her rotten.”

Sierra lets out a shaky laugh, wiping at her cheek. “I know she’s being taken care of. I just… I miss her. And I feel guilty for being away this long,” she admits, her voice dropping.

“Baby, please don’t cry.”