Our Love Story

Enzo runs his hand over my back. “No, Bambina, no,” he whispers, trying to soothe me.

“Then what is it supposed to mean, Ethan?”

Ethan runs his hands through his hair. “We miss you is all. We haven’t seen you or been with you in two weeks—”

“Is this just about sex?” I hiss, seriously ticked off. “Because I thought this was love. And love doesn’t get jealous. Love doesn’t get—”

Noah cuts me off, angry. “No one is questioning our love for one another. We’re all just drained. And we miss you. And we miss Mason. And we hate that we’re missing this huge competition. And our fucking sponsor might drop us. Okay?” He presses his hands on the table, trying to steady himself. “It’s a lot. And it makes Jamaica feel like a fucking dream.”

I shake my head, beyond frustrated with him. “Yeah, a fucking fairy tale, Noah, except for the part where I got kidnapped and nearly raped by a jealous ex. Remember that?” I push away from the table, not even caring that the entire restaurant is staring at us.

I storm out, heading for my hut. When we first arrived, I was annoyed to have a place to myself—but now I am grateful. Right now, I don’t want to see anyone.

I guess even in paradise, a fivesome can have their first ever fight.

I fall into bed, realizing maybe they were right about me needing some rest. I only slept four hours last night, arriving back here in the middle of the night from the hospital. Mason’s third surgery went well yesterday and they think he might be able to come here to the resort for a few days. But right now I can’t let myself think about what recovery back here will look like.

Right now I just need to sleep.Chapter 25EnzoMason finally got discharged from the hospital. He’s staying in his hut, and Chloe has made camp in there with him.

It’s lame that we are here, at this gorgeous resort, staying in these insane rooms over the South Pacific, and I haven’t been able to enjoy any of it with Chloe.

I hate that I keep thinking about sex—I know there is more to life than that... but then I feel Chloe’s hands run over my shoulders in passing, feel her soft lips against mine in a stolen kiss... and all I want is more.

Everything.

I miss her. Need her.

I crave her something fierce.

And I hate how hard my Bella is working at taking care of Mason.

When I know she’s gone to the dining hall to get lunch, I ask the guys to come join me in Mason’s quarters for an overdue conversation.

Stepping foot in his hut, I see Chloe’s panties on the floor, a lacy bra flung over the arm of a chair. See her makeup and hair products lined up on the bathroom counter. Fuck. I know there is no room for jealousy in love, but damn it’s a struggle seeing how close she is with Mason right now. I swear, I’d consider forcing a shark to bite off my leg if it meant more time with my Bellissimas.

I shake the thoughts away, knowing that it is beyond immature. Mason could have fucking died. And if Chloe wasn’t here to help, this would all be a real struggle. She’s been an angel throughout this entire ordeal and here I am, only thinking of my fucking cock.

“How are you doing, man?” I ask Mason, pulling up a chair. Ethan and Noah find seats too, and it feels good to all be together.

“I’m going fucking crazy, to be honest.” Mason looks wrecked. His eyes are red, his tan fading. Here’s the guy who has always looked out for everyone else, always—and he is struggling for real right now.

“I can imagine,” Noah says. “What do you need? I feel like shit that I can’t do more.”

“Chloe has been doing a lot—everything really,” Mason says. “She’s a fucking goddess, and I hate that I am relying so much on her, but I know how stressful the job has gotten. I feel like a fucker knowing I am putting so much on you guys.”

Ethan shakes his head. “It’s Black Bull that’s the motherfucker right now. It’s bullshit that they are considering dropping us because of your injury.”

Mason runs his hands over his eyes. “I’m going fucking insane here, guys. I won’t be able to handle Hawaii in a month. And then what?”

“Then we’ll figure it out when the time comes,” I say trying to reassure him. Truth is, we will need to look for a new sponsor... and if Mason can’t surf anymore... I don’t want to think about that yet. “You just need to relax.”

“So does Chloe. I feel so bad, I can’t be with her... like that. So I hope you guys have been taking care of her.”