Chapter 38

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as we pulled into the island resort—a hidden gem, shrouded in lush palm trees and golden sand. I could hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore, mingling with the excited chatter of my friends, Noah, Sarah, and Mia. 

As we got our bags settled and explored our temporary sanctuary, I felt a familiar flutter of excitement in my chest. There was something magical about getting away, something that promised fun and adventure. Although I had shed that previous life as a stripper, I could still feel the wild side in me yearning to break free.

"Hailey! Come on, we need to get the party started!" Mia called out, pulling me into her enthusiastic embrace.

"Okay, okay! Just give me a minute!" I laughed, shooing her away while I checked myself in the bathroom mirror—just a touch of color on my cheeks, a quick fix for my hair, and I was good to go.

After a few glasses of fruity cocktails at the beachfront bar, we danced as the sun set, transforming the sky into a canvas of pinks and oranges. I couldn't remember the last time I had this much fun without worrying about judgment or shame. Noah was cracking jokes, Sarah was twirling like a whirlwind, and Mia was snapping photos of our wild antics. I was right in the thick of it, laughing and dancing, the music pounding through my veins.

But beneath the surface of my carefree exterior, I felt a tingle of anticipation. Christian and Haiden, my boyfriends—yes, plural—were still missing in action. I smiled just thinking about them. They were both fierce and protective but made me feel cherished in ways I never thought possible.

As the night wore on, our laughter filled the air, and eventually, the sun sank completely. It was time to retreat to our elegant beach house, where our own private oasis awaited. The four of us wandered through the spacious rooms, filled with laughter and teasing as we called dibs on who got what room.

Once inside my designated room, I slid the door shut and leaned against it, breathing in the sweet scent of ocean air mingled with the floral notes of my artsy décor. But before I could take in my surroundings, I was suddenly spun around and pinned against the wall, a rush of air escaping my lungs.

Christian's dark gaze locked onto mine, every bit as intense as I remembered. "What did I tell you about getting wild without us?" He smirked, his voice low and teasing, but his predatory stance suggested he was ready to enforce some rules.

"You know I can't help it! It's a party!" I protested, though adrenaline surged at the thrill of being trapped between his strong frame and the wall.

Almost on cue, Haiden stepped in behind Christian, his playful smile illuminating his face. "Guess you didn't consider our presence, huh? There will be no fun without us. You forgot that, sweetheart."

A shiver ran through me at the way they coordinated; how they seemed to read each other's thoughts without a word. It was intoxicating.

"Punishment time," Christian growled, and before I could respond, Haiden's hands moved to grip my waist, while Christian leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear.

"Now, Hailes," Haiden murmured playfully, "let's make sure you know just how much we enjoy having you here with us—between us." His voice was soft, but the promise behind it sent heat coursing through me.

The wild side of me flared, knowing they had a darker side lurking beneath the surface. My past may have shaped me, but so had their strong, possessive love that kept me grounded. I nodded, an excited spark in my eyes. "Maybe I'll surprise you."

With that, their lips grazed my skin, teasing my senses, igniting a fire that danced through the very essence of who I was. They brought out the wild in me, and as the night deepened, I embraced both parts of myself—past and present—caught between the worlds I lived.

In the shadows of that wall, with my lovers right by my side, I finally understood that I was not just a girl with a wild past; I was also the artist of my own new story—twisted, chaotic, and breathtaking in ways I never dreamed possible.