Page 112 of Lorcan's Obsession

“I-I told him he could come home next weekend.”

Everyone shouted at once. I couldn’t blame them. I had just admitted to inviting Lorcan into all of my messy secrets after months of denying I would ever commit to him.

“And now,” Selena plowed onward, “you are overthinking if you should rescind that invite.”

I bent my head in shame. She had taken the words out of my mouth.

“What if this is our life forever?” I uttered. “What if his playboy past haunts the rest of our lives, and previous flings show up to bite us in the ass, and—”

“Tristen,” Selena interrupted.

“Yes?”

“Do. You. Love. Him?”

I gnawed on my bottom lip and bobbed my head.

“I do,” I whispered, “even with all this, I really, really do.”

My friends were dumbstruck. Their faces ranged from pensive surprise to open shock.

“Well, that settles it, then,” Selena said. “Pack your overnight bag, get fucking zenned out of your mind, and prepare yourself for your man come the weekend. We’ll help in any way we can. WAP out.”

Four hours later, we dragged our mini suitcases into the Mercedes van waiting for us at Muscat Airport. The one-hour flight had passed in a blur, and now, we were being escorted to the Six Senses Resort in Zighy Bay.

“So what’s this party you’re taking us to, Dom?” Selena asked. “It better have enough liquor to knock me flat.”

“I told you, we’re going to a bacchanalia. It’ll be a night of pleasure and excess wanton sex!” Dom flung out his arms in excitement. “So don’t you worry, honeycakes, there’ll be more booze and dicks than you could ever fit down your throat.”

“And what if I’m not interested in sausages tonight?” Kora asked.

“Then you can eat all the peaches and soft tacos your heart desires. There will be plenty of ladies to go around.”

My friends fell into a fit of giggles and began to chatter among themselves. I tried to get into their spirit of riotous excitement, but my heart was too heavy. Maybe this party wasn’t such a good distraction after all.

I rested my head against the window, watching the ocean waves and the ragged Hajar Mountains pass us by. The endless blues and grays of nature slowly lulled my anxious thoughts. It had been a while since I had gotten outside and simply been in nature. Even though tonight's party wouldn’t be my vibe, perhaps the resort’s vistas would be soothing for my soul.

Once we arrived at the hotel, I broached the topic of staying behind while they partied. To my surprise, they all concurred, tossing promises of pampering me tomorrow behind them. They left me with their luggage at the concierge desk as they rushed to be filled up, in every sense of the word. I shook my head with a laugh. We were called WAP for a reason.

The concierge arranged for our bags to be sent to our rooms, and the guest experience ambassador led me through candle-lit sandy paths to my oceanfront villa. While we made our way along, I kept stopping to take in the dreamy atmosphere. Above us, the moon lit up the night sky, shining over the waves that lapped against the shore. Cool mists rose up from the currents, and the very air smelled of love, mirth, and the sea.

When the hotel steward announced our arrival, I froze on the spot with an astonished gasp. If a resort could be designed by Eros, this would be the result. A massive antique entrance ushered us down a brown and white cobblestone path, leading us past several amenities. The crystal-blue infinity pool sparkled under the moonlight, beckoning tourists for a midnight swim. Palm trees swayed above the cushioned lounge chairs, promising hours of sultry relaxation. I pictured my friends lazing there the next day, sipping young coconuts filled with rum. It was our beach vacay ritual.

As soon as I reached my room, I was swept away by the rustic, earthy charm of the thatched wooden ceiling and the bamboo blinds across the windows. The entire suite radiated rejuvenation, inviting its guests to recenter themselves. Here, one could let the world and its troubles slip away and embrace the invigorating energy.

Once I got my luggage sorted, I slipped on a peach silk cami with matching pajama shorts and poured myself a glass of wine. Sipping my wine, I stared out the window while enjoying the citrusy drink and admiring the endless ocean view. Candles and lamps dotted the paths and buildings, bathing the outdoors in warm circles of light. Down below, tourists milled about, close enough to feel their joy but far enough that I could be a peaceful observer.

It was a nice feeling, to simply observe and be.

Before I settled down for the night, I shot a text to Dom, telling him I had arrived at my room and wishing the gang an amazing night. Ever the partier, he replied that a car waited outside the hotel if I changed my mind. Maybe the two glasses of wine would prove him right, but as matters stood now, I was ready to put up my feet, take a deep breath, and meditate.

I propped myself up on the creamy couch, adjusting its sherbet orange pillows, and set my phone on the polished table beside me. My hand hovered over the table, indecisive. Lorcan was waiting for me to call him. For all I knew, he was just as stressed as I had been. But Mia’s words had proven true. Distancing myself from the Crystal Cherry mess had helped me see it for what it was—two jealous bitches coming for my man because they heard he was in a serious relationship. I was still very much irked and needed space, but I was also much calmer.

I picked up my phone with resolve and typed out a message to Lorcan:

Hey,

I needed a breather. Today was a lot.

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