I step out onto the balcony in my silk robe, the beauty of the early morning view taking my breath away. The ocean is a vast expanse of sparkling blue, and the sun is just peeking over the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink.

That’s when my phone buzzes with a message from Maria. She’s been consistent, sending me a weekly update alongwith a picture of Alina. I’ve told Dmitri, Aleksandr, and Nikolai about these messages. They seem indifferent, or at least that’s what they tell me. But I think deep down, they care more than they let on.

I open the latest message. It’s a photo of Alina, her smile bright and full of joy. Then I notice there’s a video too.

I play it, and there’s Alina, sitting on the floor surrounded by toys, her hair a delightful mess. She’s laughing, her happiness infectious. Maria says something in Russian, and then Alina turns to the camera. “Emma, I miss you so much!” she exclaims and waves.

My eyes start to well up with tears. She’s so happy, so full of life. Seeing her like this, knowing she’s with her mother and thriving, fills me with a bittersweet joy.

I wipe away a tear and smile. Alina is where she belongs, and I get to be a part of her life, even from afar. It’s a comforting thought, a reminder of the good that’s come out of all the chaos. As I stand there, looking out at the sea, I feel a sense of peace. Alina’s happy, and so am I, here in this beautiful place with people who love me.

Aleksandr comes up behind me, his presence a warm and familiar comfort. I feel his lips on my neck, a soft kiss that sends a pleasant shiver down my spine. His hand gently finds its way to my stomach, pulling me close against him.

“Did you sleep well?” he asks, his voice a soft rumble against my ear.

“Yes,” I reply, leaning back into him, enjoying the closeness.

“Good, because we’re going swimming,” he says, a hint of playfulness in his tone.

I turn to face him, a smile spreading across my face. “It’s time to apply what you taught me then,” I say, referring to the swimming lessons he’s been giving me.

He chuckles, a sound that’s both comforting and full of promise. “We’ll see about that.”

He then nods towards the bedroom. “Your bikini is on top of the bed,” he informs me, and as I turn to look, he takes off his shirt, revealing his well-toned abs.

I can’t help but admire the view, and as he winks at me, a playful spark in his eyes, he heads downstairs towards the sea.

I quickly change into my bikini, grabbing a towel and making my way down to the beach. Aleksandr is already in the water, his body glistening under the sun. I can’t help but feel a pang of desire shoot through me as I watch him swim further out into the ocean.

Nikolai joins us, his tall frame casting a shadow over me as he stands beside me on the beach. “Good morning, beautiful,” he greets me, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Morning,” I reply, unsure of what to say. Being around all three of them still seems surreal to me sometimes.

Dmitri soon joins us, his serious demeanor immediately putting me at ease. “Shall we?” he asks, gesturing towards the ocean.

We all dive in, the cool water splashing against our skin. Aleksandr is floating leisurely beside me, his eyes never leaving mine. Nikolai is swimming laps around us, while Dmitri is diving deep into the ocean, exploring beneath us.

It’s moments like these that make me feel alive – free from the stresses of our world and completely in the moment.

As we swim, I can’t stop myself from admiring the way their muscles flex and ripple beneath their skin. The water is a perfect backdrop for showcasing their physical prowess, and I can’t help but feel a tinge of excitement at the thought of what they can do in bed.

As we make our way back to the shore, Aleksandr lifts me up into his arms, carrying me bridal style towards our beach chairs. He sets me down gently and hands me a towel, his eyes never leaving mine as he dries himself off.

Nikolai exits the water next, his hair slicked back and his skin glistening in the sun. He’s always been the wild card in the trio, always unpredictable and full of surprises.

I can’t help but feel drawn to that kind of energy.

Dmitri emerges last, his hair wet and tousled, his demeanor as serious as ever. But even he can’t ignore the carefree atmosphere of this paradise we’ve found ourselves in. He lets out a rare smile, a gesture that feels like a gift.

After a day filled with laughter and splashes in the sea, the evening brings a new surprise. The guys lead me down to the beach, and what I see takes my breath away. They’ve set up a private dinner right on the sand. The sun is setting, casting a golden glow over everything.

There’s a table under a canopy, looking like something out of a movie. Lanterns and candles are scattered around, giving off a soft, romantic light. And the table, it’s set with all my favorite foods. I’m touched by how much effort they’ve put into this, knowing exactly what I like.

“Wow, guys, this is incredible,” I say, my eyes wide with amazement.

Nikolai grins. “Wait until you taste the dessert. Dmitri outdid himself.”

Dmitri shrugs, trying to look modest, but I can tell he’s pleased. “Just something simple,” he says.