“Don’t,” Cam whispers. “She’s filming. This is exactly what she wants.”
Of course it is. Because God forbid anyone experience genuine human emotion without monetizing it first.
I grab my suitcase, ready to flee this paradise-themed torture chamber, when—a wall of bronzed muscle blocks my path.
“Wonderful! Everyone has arrived!”
The voice is too big, too enthusiastic, and just way too much for my current mental state. My eyes snap to the source, and…
Jesus. Fucking. Christ.
This man—no, thisHawaiian deity—is towering in the entryway like he was hand-carved from Maui’s cliffs. He’s six-foot-five of pure warrior, with tribal tattoos that dance across his glistening chest. The guy makes Jason Momoa look like he needs to hit the gym. His dark hair is swept up in a man bun that would be idiotic on anyone else. On him it screams “Alpha.” And the guy’s wearing two things: confidence, and a paper-thin floral sarong barely containing his massive python.
I’m not staring at his giant dick. I’mNOT. But it’s like a solar eclipse. You know you shouldn’t stare directly at it, but your eyes are drawn to the spectacle anyway.
“I… am Kai.”
His voice is distant thunder, reverberating in my chest. He spreads his arms wide, as if expecting applause. Hell, he might get it. The two women checking in at the desk are drooling into their cocktails.
“I am the owner here, and I welcome you to the Aloha Amour Resort, where desire flows like lava and love blooms eternal.”
Oh, come on.
Kai strides across the opulent lobby, and as if the bulge isn’t horrifying enough, it announces itself with every step. Definitely going commando under that sarong.
“Mr. Dare!” His smile could power the entire luxury hotel. “We weren’t sure if you would make it. Miss Astrid said you had… opted out.”
I glare at my ex. “Oh, she’s been saying all kinds of things today.”
Astrid gasps. “Reece, that’s so unfair! I was only trying to help—”
“By lying? Classic Astrid move.”
Kai clears his throat dramatically, stepping between us, and I swear I hear wind chimes somewhere. “I sense the energy in this room needs cleansing. I am here to promote love in all manifestations, both tried and not yet experienced.”
“Don’t,” I say, cutting him off. “Just don’t.”
His smile doesn’t falter. “Here at Aloha Amour, we believe in passion, connection, and renewal. I know your union did not unfold as planned, but each ending is an opportunity for a new beginning.”
Beside me, Cam snorts, earning a raised eyebrow from Kai. “Ah, and you, wahine, my feminine creature,” he says, his tone softening. “Your energy… It’s untapped. Wild. Waiting to be harnessed.”
He takes her hand and kisses her knuckles. Cam sucks in a sharp breath, and I catch her biting her lip.I am not loving that reaction one bit.
“My philosophy,” the resort owner continues, his pecs somehow independently undulating, “is that intimacy should never be confined by monogamy.”
No shit, Captain Obvious.That thing tenting your sarong is basically a dowsing rod seeking its next spring.Stop pointing it at Camila!
“Here, we honor affection in all its radiant and beautiful expressions.” He glides toward Blaze and Astrid, wrapping his colossal arms around them both. “Which is why for your new love match I’ve arranged a special couples’ massage in your suite. With”—he winks—“happy endings for you both.”
“Duuuude! You are thebest!This is gonna be sick!”
The blonde queen bee throws me a smug glance as she hitsRecord. “Later, loser. Besties, don’t forget to like and subscribe to see me slaying it after escaping that hot mess express!” She flips her hair and shouts over her shoulder, “Blazey-poo! Your queen needs her rubdown, stat!”
“Coming!” Blaze parkours over a decorative pineapple. “Later, bro!”
He’s got the IQ of a corndog, but c’mon. He can’t really think we’re still best friends. Can he?
“Now then, Mr. Dare.” Kai’s voice drops an octave, making the nearby orchids tremble. “While there is an abundance in love, we find ourselves… limited in accommodations. Your nuptial… situation has created quite the booking tsunami. The only remaining room is reserved for your videographer, the enchanting Miss Morales.”
