Chapter 12

HAILEY

Hailey found herself perched on the beach, a cocktail of emotions swirling within her. She was filled with joy, yet a tinge of sadness tainted her happiness, knowing that their time here was fleeting, and they would be departing the next day.

She let out a sigh, returning her focus to the warmth of the sun. Over the past few days, she had been assisting Valerian with his work, a task she found surprisingly enjoyable.

On the days when he didn’t require her help, she would spend her time lounging on the beach, the hours slipping away unnoticed.

Often, Valerian would return to their room late, long after she had drifted off to sleep. She assumed he was an early riser, as he was always gone by the time she woke up.

She noticed a shift in his demeanor. She recalled a moment in the bathroom when he had whispered, “Claiming what is mine.”

His lips had traced a path down her neck, before returning to her jawline.

“Stop.” She had pushed him away, recognizing the telltale signs of intoxication in his slurred speech.

He had looked at her, his eyes clouded with confusion. “So you want me to stop because I’m not fucking Alex or your precious Matt, right?”

“That’s not it. You are not in your right mind,” she had retorted.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the realization that it was getting late. She needed to head back to their suite.

Upon entering, she was surprised to find a dress laid out on the bed, accompanied by a note. The note instructed her to meet Valerian downstairs once she was ready.

She took a quick shower, slipped into the dress, and applied a touch of makeup. After slipping on her heels, she made her way downstairs.

She spotted Valerian, but he wasn’t alone. Lindsay was seated next to him. She approached them, bracing herself for what she anticipated would be a long night.

She found herself wondering if Alex was around, hoping he might provide some company. They had bumped into each other a few times and always had enjoyable conversations.

She pulled out a chair and took a seat. Neither Valerian nor Lindsay acknowledged her presence, so she remained silent.

Her eyes scanned the room for Alex. ~Where could he be?~

“Are you looking for someone?”

Lindsay’s voice pulled her back to reality.

“No,” she stammered, glancing at Valerian. He was avoiding eye contact, acting as if she was invisible. What had she done to deserve this?

The waiter arrived with a bottle of wine, and they placed their orders. The food was delicious, but the atmosphere was far from enjoyable.

Watching Valerian and Lindsay flirt openly was grating on Hailey’s nerves. Couldn’t they get a room?

She found solace in the wine, her glass never empty for long. Through her haze, she thought she saw Valerian casting concerned glances her way.

“More wine?” the waiter inquired.

“Yes, please. And leave the bottle while you're at it,” she slurred.

She continued to refill her glass until Valerian intervened, taking the bottle from her. “That’s enough, Hailey.”

She shot him a scowl.

“Would you like to dance?” Alex’s voice was music to her ears. Despite the room spinning slightly, she felt a surge of excitement.

“Yes!” She rose, stumbling slightly, but Alex was quick to steady her.

“Are you sure you are fine to dance, Hailey?” Alex asked.

Ignoring his question, she led him to the dance floor. After a few songs, the alcohol started to take its toll.

Her vision blurred, black spots danced before her eyes, and then everything went black.

Hailey awoke feeling warm and fuzzy. She blinked her eyes open slowly. How long had she been asleep? She tried to sit up, but something was holding her down.

Her mind raced, trying to piece together the events of the previous night. She must have made a fool of herself.

She glanced at the clock, it was two-thirty in the morning. The moonlight cast a soft glow in the room.

Looking down, she noticed an arm draped over her. She held her breath as she turned to see who it was. Valerian.

She studied his face, taking in his long eyelashes and symmetrical features. He was truly beautiful.

She reached out to touch his eyelashes, they were so long they seemed unreal. She then traced his eyebrows, they were perfect.

“Hailey, what bullshit are you up to now?” His eyes fluttered open.

Caught red-handed, her hand froze on his face. She couldn’t read his expression, but she assumed he was uncomfortable.

“Nothing,” she mumbled, trying to keep her voice steady. He continued to gaze at her, and before she could ask what had happened, he began to explain.

“He told me you were so wasted, I had to carry you inside,” he said. She opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off.

“Judging by the look on your face, you’re wondering what happened. I’ll fill you in later. And by the way, you’re welcome,” Valerian said.

“Welcome, my ass,” she retorted, rolling her eyes.

“Did you just roll your eyes at me?”

“No, I was just searching for another universe at the back of my skull,” she shot back.

Suddenly, he moved so quickly that he had her pinned to the bed.

“What are you doing?” His warm lips pressed against her temple, and she suppressed a moan as he moved down to her neck.

His hand slid up her thigh, then higher, until it was under her shirt. He continued to suck on the same spot on her neck.

“Stop, Valerian.” Her words were barely a whisper.

“Are you sure?” His whisper was hot against her neck, making it hard to focus on anything else.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, and the scent of the sea breeze mixed with Valerian’s intoxicating aroma. It was messing with her judgment.

She felt his lips on her cheek, then they moved to the corner of her mouth.

Suddenly, his mouth was on hers, and he was kissing her with such intensity and desire that she found herself reciprocating.

His tongue was demanding, taking control from the start.

She could feel his hot hands exploring her body. Her breasts tingled where his hands had roamed.

Her legs were wrapped tightly around him, making her acutely aware of his arousal.

She began to move against him more urgently, her breaths coming out in loud moans. He matched her pace, grinding against her with increasing speed.

Her hand brushed against his bare chest, and she realized her shirt was gone.

Valerian whispered in her ear, “I finally get to taste what Matt and Alex have had.”

She shoved him away and slapped him hard across the face.