I JUST CLOSED my eyes and continued dancing but was immediately dilated when someone held me. “What are you doing here?” Instead of answering, he took off his coat and covered my body. “You’re drunk!” he shouted because the music is too loud. “No, I’m not!” I felt his hand on my wrist, and I was stunned. My heart was pounding. “Bestie, we have a problem. Carrick is here!” I heard Cindy say, and I succumbed to her tow as we saw Carrick approaching. “Hello, love! What are you doing here?” Cindy asked with wide eyes. “The group decided to continue the bachelor’s party here,” he replied and kissed his fiancée on the cheek. “You should not be here!” Cindy muttered. “It’s alright, love. They seem happy to see us,” Carrick replied before glancing at some of his companions. I looked to his companions. I think they are at ten. Some of them are familiar. “Okay, love,” Cindy agreed before hugging her groom and giving him a kiss on the lips. Suddenly people shouted as the host introduced the newcomers. Then I look for Lawrence. I saw him sitting on the high stool in front of the bar while drinking a glass of vodka. My heart almost stopped. I was overwhelmed when his dark eyes and authoritative aura hit me. I couldn’t stand his hot stare, so I quickly cut my gaze to it and looked for the way to the comfort room. *** WHEN I RETURNED, I sat right next to Cindy in front of Carrick’s guests. I stared at them. I was familiar with Jocko, the son of one of our business partners, and Lawrence, right in front of me. I shifted in my seat uncomfortably. Until now, I can still feel the heat of his stares at me. “Bro, introduce us to your partner.” I glanced at Carrick, who turned his face at me. “Guys, I’d like you to meet Margaux Collins, my fiancée’s best friend,” said Carrick. Then they started introducing themselves one by one until someone extended a hand to me. “Hi! I’m Peter Monteverde. Nice to meet you, Margaux.” “Nice to meet you too, Peter,” I replied. I couldn’t help but gasp because of the tightness of his grip on my hand. I looked at him. He is handsome. His eyes were pale with his white color, his lips were redder—and I think absolutely soft—and his nose seemed to be perfect. His haircut gave him a stronger appeal. I slowly pulled my hands from his grip and smiled. The night deepened. Almost everyone in the room was already dancing. Carrick and Cindy were also there, and they were in charge of the dance floor. Peter approached me again. “Hi! Will you dance with me?” he asked in a resonant voice. For a moment, my gaze flew to Lawrence. He had been quiet the whole night. I did not have a chance to talk to him and return the coat I’m still wearing tonight. I finally turned to Peter, who had already held out his hand to me. “Sure,” I answered. We quickly reached the dance floor and danced to the melodious music. “You’re so beautiful, Margaux,” Peter whispered to my ear. I shut my eyes when he wrapped his arms around my waist. “Can I ask you something?” he whispered again. “Hmm, what is it?” I met his gaze. He bowed slightly to me. “Can I court you?” he asked sweetly. I was about to answer when Peter’s grip tightened on my waist. He slowly lowered his face and looked at my plump lips. He was about to kiss me, but I was surprised at what happened next. Lawrence grabbed Peter’s arm and pulled me away. Then he quickly punched him that catching the attention of some people at the party. I was about to answer when Peter’s grip tightened on my waist. He slowly lowered his face and looked at my plump lips. He was about to kiss me, but I was surprised at what happened next. Lawrence grabbed Peter’s arm and pulled me away. Then he quickly punched him that catching the attention of some people at the party. “What’s wrong with you?!” Peter tried to stand up, but Lawrence kicked him again. That’s where I intervened. “What is your problem?” I glared at him. Lawrence did not hesitate to answer. Instead, he pulled me out of the room. The next thing I knew, I was already in his car and shouting because of the speed of his car. “Stop this car, Lawrence! Where are you taking me?! I will call the police!” “Shut up, or I will f*cking kiss your lips!” he said in a serious voice. “D*mn it!” Who is he to do that?! I leaned my head against the backrest and did not realize that I had fallen asleep due to extreme dizziness. When I opened my eyes again, Lawrence greeted me. “Here we are,” he said in a low voice. I quickly sat up and rolled my eyes at him. The air I took was not enough to relieve the nervousness rising in my heart. “Where are we? Why did you bring me here?” I asked alertly. He did not answer, but he got out of the car and went to my side to open the door for me. I still wanted to protest, but I was amazed by the beauty in front of me when I turned around. I’m at the Saavedra Resort. This is the place where Cindy and Carrick’s wedding will be held tomorrow. “Let’s go inside. It’s too cold here,” Lawrence told me. He headed to the front desk to ask for a key. I followed quietly until my feet stop on their presidential suite. After he opened the door, I was immediately amazed at what I saw. The room is very large with white and gray walls. The couch matches the color of the wall. The patchwork carpet in front of the flat-screen TV is wonderful. There is an open bookcase near the mahogany table and a blue armchair. Everything is perfect. I couldn’t help but admire some of the more expensive items, such as the chandelier and plant pots. I was already enjoying the sight when I noticed Lawrence was no longer beside me. I glanced at the open door in the distance. I slowly walked to the door and touched the handle to open it. I wandered around the room carefully. I was even more amazed to see the king-size bed. I lay down slowly. I closed my eyes and felt the warmth and softness of the bed. But I suddenly woke up when I heard the rush of water from the shower. The nervousness immediately rose to my heart. But I just chose to lie down and turn a blind eye. I was so shocked when I heard the shower was turned off. My heart almost stopped. I heard the door open and its soft closing. But after a while, I didn’t hear anything, so I slowly open my eyes. But I was shocked to see Lawrence standing in front of me—half-naked.

“WHAT THE?!” I quickly stood up and covered my blushing face tightly.

“You can use the shower if you want. I have prepared clothes for the employees,” he said softly as if nothing had happened.

“No, thanks.” I lowered my hand and pretended not to be affected by his body. He was now wearing his black shorts.

“As for what happened earlier, I just want to apologize for my action,” he began.

“You should not have done that,” I said in my low voice.

“Peter took advantage of you. Didn’t you notice that? He took advantage of you because you’re drunk; that’s why he tried to kiss you.”

I watched his jaw clenching so hard, and the darkness of his eyes was staring at me intently.

“But you should not hurt him! Besides, we’re just dancing!” I said without blinking.

“So you mean, you like the idea of him kissing you?”

I could not believe what he said.

“Of course not!” I said quickly.

“I’m not buying it,” he said while shaking his head.

I gave him a frown. His acts are unfamiliar to me. He’s someone I’ve never met before. We didn’t know each other very well, so he would reprimand us like this.

“As you said, I’m drunk! And you have nothing to do with it. Who are you to interfere with what I am doing?!” I tried to raise my voice.

But he smiled. As I watched him, I became even more confused and trembling.

“If I do that to you, will you do nothing to stop me?” He took a step towards me which I suddenly worried about. “Answer me, Margaux,” he said softly. He also gently touched my chin and slowly lifted it to align our eyes.

I’m running out of words. I could not help but tremble because of his scorching stares.

He tilted his head slightly, trying to attract my eyes and find my soul. He slowly stroked my cheek. I saw his perfect jaw tighten as he slowly lowered his gaze to my lips.

“Lawrence,” I whispered. I want to push him, but why do I not have the strength to do that?

He lowered his head, and I stood frozen from both fear and excitement. The next thing I knew, he brushed my lips with his unfamiliar kiss. It is light. There are no fireworks or sparks, but there is something better.

That kiss got even hotter when he hugged me around the waist and pulled me closer to him. I was almost drunk on his kisses, but he suddenly stopped.

“Margaux,” he said between his quick breaths. I saw the flame in his eyes. Without hesitation, our lips reunited.

Until I felt the softness of the bed. I could not avoid the accented growls between our kisses. I was already carried away by the heat he brought. I also don’t know why I let him do this to me.

Gradually, one of his hands traveled from my arm up to my shoulder to my chest. I was not ready for what he did next. I lost control. I wasn’t wearing enough clothes to hide what he was trying to find.

A sweet moan escaped from me when his compulsive mouth claimed my trembling lips. A violent thrill ran down my spine as he kissed me. I was completely hypnotized, but then, he pulled away. We both caught our breath as he stared at me.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

I swallowed hard and bit my lip. I shrugged at what he said. I felt like I wanted to slap him, but I seemed to lose my strength as he eventually moved away from me.

“Rest here. I’ll just deliver your things and talk to Cindy. I was just in the other room.”

I just nodded even though my heart was hurting. And I don’t know why but I followed him out the door. But before I could finally get out, I stopped.

“What the f*ck are you doing, Margaux?” I told myself, then I pinched myself before tapping my own forehead and lay back down on the bed.

***

I WOKE UP to the cold air that touched my cheek. The sun has risen, and I was greeted by the sweet chirping of birds and the cold breeze of the ocean.

I glanced at the side table where breakfast was placed and a small note glued to a red rose. I walked towards the veranda and read the letter attached there.

Good morning love.

I apologize for what I did last night. Eat breakfast. I will be busy all day. Enjoy the good weather.

- Lawrence

A smile flashed on my lips, and I slightly smelled the rose. The cold breeze blew, which gave me the idea to just stay here and escape the world.

I chose to dine on the veranda while gazing at the beautiful view of the island.

Until I noticed that my bag was already there. There’s also a new dress ready for me to wear. It’s a yellow dress that cinches in at the waist. There is also a flat white sandal and a pair of undergarments.

My two cheeks immediately warmed up. How did he find out my size? My hand trembled as I touched the red underwear. The redness on my face still did not go away even after taking a bath because of the clothes he gave me. But I admit, they are perfect for my body.

I made a few more circles in front of the mirror before I decided to leave the suite. Then I decided to go for a walk on the beach because of the wonderful weather.

I sat in a lounge, closed my eyes, and remembered the kiss that Lawrence and I had shared. Until I realized what I was thinking, so I shook my head.

Stop it, Margaux. You know the three-month rule, right? I guess it’s too early for me to feel anything for him.

I took a deep breath before thinking of going to Carrick and Cindy’s beach wedding. People are busy arranging decorations. Every detail is carefully scrutinized. One of my dreams is to get married in a paradise-like place. I want to have a wedding that will resonate in people’s minds and leave them happy memories.

I smiled bitterly. Maybe Lester wasn’t destined for me. Maybe someone else deserves my love.

I decided to go back to the hotel to rest. I was crossing the road when Lawrence grabbed my attention.

He was busy chatting with someone. I can clearly see him from my seat. He was wearing a white polo shirt, loose folded long sleeves up to his elbow, black pants, and shiny oxford shoes. Then I suddenly thought of his smiles that made my heart jump and his sexy lips that could make me gasp.

I bit my lower lip, and my knees almost weakened when he turned to look at me. I held my breath as we stared. I saw him say goodbye to the person he talked to before turning to walk in my direction.

“Hi!” he greeted with a soft smile on his lips.

“H-hello,” I stammered and did not bother to look him in the eye.

“How was your breakfast? Sorry, I couldn’t wait for you to wake up. I have so much work today.”

“IT’S OKAY! THE breakfast is delicious, so it’s okay,” I said shyly, although I have not forgotten what he did to me last night.

“The dress fits you perfectly. You look beautiful today,” he praises.

“Thank you for the dress. You shouldn’t have bothered in the first place.” My cheeks become redder.

“Don’t think about it. You’re beyond gorgeous in that dress,” he replied before turning his back on me and return to the man he talked to earlier.

With delight in my heart, the heat traveled to my cheeks. I followed him with my gaze. I thought I’d just go back to the suite first and called Cindy.

But I’m frozen to my feet when I saw Peter approaching me.

“Peter?!”

“Yes. You must be shocked?” A sweet smile flashed on him.

“No—honestly, yes!” I muttered.

He laughed a little. I quickly turned to Lawrence, who was now busy talking to someone again.

“I’m sorry for what happened last night. How are you? You alright?” I asked Peter. I looked at his cracked lip.

“Yes, I’m better now,” he replied as if nothing had happened.

A moment of silence intervened between us.

“Uhm, are you with Carrick?” I asked.

“Yes.”

I nodded. I glanced again at Lawrence, who was now staring intently over us. My heart began to pound as he walked in our direction with his lashes knitted brows.

“Ahm, I’ll better go. Nice meeting you again,” I told Peter.

I was about to turn around when he grabbed my wrist. I turned nervously to him after glancing at Lawrence, who was approaching us.

“Margaux, I told you, I wanted to court you. I wanted you to know that I’m serious,” Peter confessed.

I was about to answer, but Lawrence was already close to us.

“What are you doing here?!” he asked Peter earnestly.

“The groom invited me,” Peter replied in a calm voice. I noticed Lawrence’s gaze drop to my wrist which is still holding Peter.

“This is my resort,” Lawrence said. “Everything you see with your eyes belongs to me. Can you leave peacefully or do you want me to add more bruises to your face?”

Peter grinned and stood beside me. “I do not know why you’re acting like that. Are you jealous?”

I looked at Lawrence, waiting for his answer. “Are you kidding me?” Lawrence smirked. Obviously not stained with cowardice. “I am a Saavedra. That should not be asked.”

My gaze fell to the ground because I did not expect that answer.

“You’re right. You are a Saavedra,” Peter sneered back.

“I just don’t want to see a woman being abused in front of me,” Lawrence shot back.

“Hey, she’s not your girlfriend! The last time I checked, you and Terris were dating. Don’t tell me you want to include Margaux to those women you play with?” A smile flashed on Peter’s lips after he spoke.

I saw the disapproval on Lawrence’s face, but he remained silent. I swallowed hard. Silence means yes, right? It looks like he really intends to include me in those women he wants to play with.

I closed my eyes, trying to reduce the emotion that made me tremble.

“There is nothing wrong with flirting with Margaux,” Peter said. Lawrence clenched his fist in silent anger.

I saw his perfect jaw move before he spoke. “It’s okay. You can do what you want.” He glanced at me first before saying goodbye to Peter and me.

The pain I felt as I followed him was unfamiliar.

“Are you alright?” Peter asked me.

“I want to rest first. My head suddenly aches,” I excused myself.

“Would you like me to take you to your suite?” he offered.

“No, you don’t have to. I can do it,” I answered quickly. I didn’t want him to know that I was in Lawrence’s suite. He frowned at my answer, so I smiled a little. “I’m really fine. Thanks for the offer, but I can really do it. Thank you again,” I said goodbye before starting to walk away.

When I got to the front of Lawrence’s suite, I was reluctant to knock on it. I couldn’t help but look around, and I couldn’t avoid the gazes of several employees.

Before knocking, I took a deep breath and gathered my strength in my chest, but no one answered. I was about to turn around when it opened. My jaw almost dropped when I recognized the woman who opened the door for me.

“Terris?”

“Margaux? What are you doing here? Are you looking for Lawrence?” The corners of her lips twisted.

I noticed she held the towel wrapped around her tightly, indicating she was not wearing anything underneath. I barely had time to react because she immediately raised an eyebrow and leaned against the door.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Lawrence is in the bathroom, taking a bath. Do you want to come in first?” A smile flashed on her lips when she said that.

“N-not anymore. Thanks anyway!”

I quickly turned my back on her. I cannot name the pain that was constantly evolving in my heart. But one thing’s for sure, that pain hits me big time.

I just decided to go to the front desk on my own.

“Excuse me, Miss. I am one of the guests of Mr. Carrick Saavedra. Can you kindly check if he has a reservation for me? I am Margaux Collins,” I introduced myself.

“All right, Ma’am,” the attendant replied between smiles. She looked at the monitor for a moment, then spoke to me again. “Ma’am, I apologize, but our president has already canceled your reservation.”

“What?!” My tone rose; that’s why some people looked at us. I closed my eyes for a moment and felt the irritation. “Can you give me another room?” I said, recovering from the shock.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am, but we’re full right now because of the wedding guests,” she told me.

“But I’m also a guest here!” I pointed my finger at myself.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am,” she apologized.

Without a smile, I turned my back on her and marched back to Lawrence’s suite. He can’t do this to me. Where will I stay if he canceled my room reservation?

When I approached his suite, I knocked on the door without hesitation. And Lawrence opened it for me.

“Why did you do that?!” I started with so much anger.

“What?” He frowned as he dried his hair with a towel. He was wearing a simple white shirt and black pants. For a little while, I was distracted by the well-groomed Lawrence in front of me.

“You canceled my hotel reservation. Do you think I will allow myself to stay in your room?” I said as my sanity returned.

“Why not? Do you want to sleep outside the resort?” His shoulders trembled with a silent laugh.

“No way!” I exclaimed.

He just shrugged his shoulders at me before he opened the door wide and turned away. I took a deep breath and shook my head. Eventually, I decided to step inside. My eyes immediately searched for Terris, but there was no trace of her inside.

“If you are looking for Terris, I cast her out of my suite. She entered here without my permission and tried to seduce me,” he said. “If you think something is going on between us, then you are wrong,” he added.