Page 60 of Heat Island
Now, on this boat with the entire wedding party, those same watchful eyes track our every move. Isabelle stands near the bar, pretending to admire the sunset while obviously observing us. Amelia hovers by the railing, angling for a better view of our interactions.
“You’re thinking too loud,” Matheo murmurs against my ear, his breath warm on my skin.
“Can’t help it,” I whisper back. “They’re watching us like hawks.”
“Let them watch.” His hand finds mine, fingers interlacing with practiced ease. To anyone observing, we look like a couple sharing an intimate moment. Only I feel the slight tremor in my hand that betrays my nerves.
Across the deck, Egret holds court with wedding guests that must also be business associates, but his gaze keeps drifting our way. Brendin and Saren flank him like bookends, their expressions unreadable. They’ve been watching us all night, analyzing every interaction, searching for cracks in our facade.
Lucas holds up a glass of champagne at the periphery of my vision. “Thought you might need this.”
I accept it gratefully, taking a larger sip than is probably wise. The bubbles tickle my throat, providing a momentary distraction from the weight of all these eyes on us.
“Having fun?” Cash asks, though his tone suggests he knows the answer.
“Loads,” I mutter into my glass.
Kyren’s fingers trail along my shoulder, and I suppress a shiver. That kiss earlier still burns on my lips. The way he laid claim to me in front of everyone, possessive and passionate and absolutely convincing. Now he acts like it never happened, maintaining just enough distance to drive me insane while staying close enough to maintain our cover.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” The captain’s voice booms over the speaker system. “We’re approaching the reef. Perfect spot to watch the sun set behind the mountains. Please move to the front of the deck for the best views.”
People shift and scatter, couples pairing off to find romantic vantage points. I rise from my chair, desperate for air and space, when I spot Josie making her way through the crowd toward me.
Her face glows with happiness, cheeks pink from what I assume is a combination of champagne and excitement. She looks so beautiful, so radiant, so genuinely in love. The guilt hits me like a physical blow.
“Trinity!” She throws her arms around me, nearly spilling my drink. “Isn’t this perfect? The sunset, the ocean, everyone together?”
“It’s beautiful,” I agree, returning her embrace.
She pulls back, hands still on my arms, eyes bright with joy. “I love your men, Trin. They’re amazing. The way they look at you...” She sighs dreamily. “You can tell they absolutely adore you.”
The words twist in my stomach like a knife. They’re good actors, that’s all. They’re performing exactly what I hired them to do, and apparently, they’re worth every penny.
“Thanks, pussycat,” I manage, her childhood nickname thick on my tongue.
“I’m just so happy we both found our perfect matches,” she continues, squeezing my hands. “After everything you’ve been through, you deserve this kind of love.”
The guilt threatens to choke me. Here’s my baby sister, glowing with happiness about my supposed relationship while her own fiancés—my ex-fiancés—pretend they’ve never met me. The layers of deception make my head spin.
“I need another drink,” I blurt out, pulling away. “Want anything?”
Josie’s brow furrows slightly. “Are you okay? You’ve seemed a little off all day.”
“Just overwhelmed with wedding stuff,” I assure her. “Let me grab us some drinks so we can watch the sunset properly.”
“I’ll come with you!”
“No!” The word comes out sharper than intended. I soften my tone. “I mean, stay here and enjoy the view. I’ll be right back.”
Before she can protest, I escape toward the bar at the back of the boat, weaving through clusters of guests moving in the opposite direction. My chest feels tight, breath coming in short bursts. I need air. I need space. I need?—
“Trinity.”
I stop short as Brendin materializes in my path, blocking my route to the bar. His expression is neutral, but something off-putting lurks beneath the surface.
“Brendin,” I acknowledge, trying to step around him.
He shifts, maintaining the blockade. “Interesting pack you’ve assembled.”
