Chapter 40

The soft lapping of waves against the yacht's hull was the first thing that registered in my mind as I slowly came to, the gentle rocking still intoxicating despite the long hours that had stolen away into the night. Sore and tired, I groaned and rolled over. I could still feel the aftershocks of the wild, passionate escapades I had shared with the twins coursing through me. Memories of laughter and stolen glances played through my mind like a montage—daring, bold, and deliciously carefree. The sun filtered through the blinds, casting strips of warmth across the plush bedding where we had tangled up together.

I opened my eyes, squinting against the morning light. Haiden was sprawled on one side of me, his tousled hair artfully splayed across the pillow, his strong arm draped over me protectively. Christian was on my other side, his chiseled jaw now softened in sleep, a subtle crease between his brows as if he were lost in some deep, dark dream. I could hardly believe the idyllic life I had found with these two—how their intensity complemented my wildness so perfectly. A part of me still felt a little guilty for indulging in such a taboo relationship, but I silenced that voice with the memory of the bliss we had shared.

With a sigh, I sank back into the sheets, enjoying the warmth and comfort as the moments ticked by. Exploring the island today felt like a dream I didn't want to wake up from, but also a bittersweet reminder that this vacation, this slice of paradise, was coming to an end.

Hours melted away, and I eventually felt a stirring beside me. Haiden groaned before popping one eye open, a smile creeping across his lips as our gazes met. "Morning, wildflower." His voice was gravelly, still thick with sleep. I couldn't help but smile back, feeling like the luckiest woman alive.

It wasn't long before Christian stirred awake, too. Their playful banter filled the small cabin, lightening the heavy air that threatened to swallow me whole. I rose, feeling the slight ache in my muscles after last night's fervent entanglement, tossing on a bikini that showcased the last of my summertime sun-kissed skin. The twins exchanged mischievous glances as they dressed, both opting for matching swim shorts that clung to their sculpted bodies like second skin.

"Are you ready to explore the island?" Christian asked, his dark demeanor slightly softened by that unpredictable sparkle in his eye. Haiden nudged him playfully, throwing an arm over my shoulder.

"I'll keep her safe. No need to worry, Christian," Haiden remarked, his playful smirk revealing a hint of his usual overprotectiveness. He often worried too much about my well-being, but it was charming.

"My job is to worry about her," Christian replied, though the corners of his mouth tugged upwards. "And yours is to cook."

Haiden laughed, the sound reverberating like a soothing bell in my ears. "Fine, but I'll cook on the condition you don't take her into the water without my permission, big brother." Christian rolled his eyes in exasperation, but he knew better than to push Haiden about food—or anything that involved me, really.

We stepped off the yacht and onto the sun-kissed sands of the island, the endless horizon stretching out before us. My friends had opted to stay behind, nursing their hangovers from last night's celebrations while the three of us ventured out alone. The sound of the surf mingled with the rustle of palm trees overhead, casting a tropical spell around us.

As we wandered, we shared jokes and stories, the tension and unease of our hidden relationships melting away with every laugh and every playful shove. I felt a surge of joy as I ran my fingers through the sand, barefoot, roaming the beach under the sun. Haiden's laughter was infectious, and Christian, despite his fierce demeanor, was quick to join in, the shadows of his dark side momentarily dancing away.

After an hour of roaming, we settled on a sun-drenched spot with the Caribbean Sea as our backdrop. We leaned back against each other, the warmth of the sun mixing with the warmth of our bodies. "Honestly, I wish we could just stay here forever," I mused, gazing out at the endless ocean that glimmered like diamonds.

"And forget about… everything?" Christian asked, his tone dipping into something meeker than I was used to. It was the kind of vulnerability that tugged at my heart.

"Not everything," I replied lightly, pressing my shoulder against his. "Just… the stress of it all."

Haiden's arm tightened around me. "Let's just live for today, shall we?"

I nodded, knowing deep down that the day ahead held layers of uncharted intimacy and adventure I hadn't quite anticipated. As sunset approached, the horizon would blaze with hues of orange and purple, marking the end of our vacation—but also the deeper connection that had formed between us all.

Little did I know, beneath the façade of laughter and exploration, secrets swirled like shadows, waiting to surface at the worst possible time. But for now, with the twins by my side, all that mattered was this moment, the laughter we shared, and the wildness that had brought us together in this beautiful, chaotic life.