pulses. Asher's kiss had been intoxicating, leaving her breathless and disoriented, but Damian's challenge still echoed in her mind. This place changes you. Was it true? Was s

at the ocean, trying to clear her mind. She had come to Eden Island to network, to prove her worth in the

stand, breaking her thoughts.

pool. I think w

d their flirtation, but she hadn't expected it to develop into something more. Still, she felt drawn to him in a way s

p, Ella made her way to the pool. The temperature outside was perfect, and the sc

isp white shirt, his sunglasses perched on his nose. He looked every bit the caref

his signature grin, his eyes sweeping ove

in his presence. "You always know how

her to sit beside him. "We ne

ed to talk about. She didn't think they had crossed any lines, but she h

she said, sitting

rious. "I think you know by now that I'm not just interested in small talk," he b

e what to make of his words. Was he just b

said, her voice steady but laced with uncertainty.

sometimes, Ella, business and pleasure are not so easily separated." His voice droppe

trying to maintain some semblance of control. "You're not the only one here who

at took her by surprise. "I'm not playing games, Ella," he said, his voice gentle yet firm

expected this from him-Renzo, the carefree flirt, the one who always seemed to have a smile on his lips and a joke

sation. Ella turned, her stomach clenching as she saw Asher approaching. His dark

but his gaze never left Ella. "E

ediately shifting to one of tension.

estion, his eyes still focused on E

ter with Renzo, the magnetic pull between her and Asher was undeniab

e leaning in. "Don't keep him waiting too long," he whis

but she was caught between two powerful men, each pulling her in di

softened, his expression no longer hard and deta

her pulse racing

desire. "Last night," he began, his voice low, "you made me want

e intensity of his words, the longing

r reached out, his hand brushing her cheek, and without another word, his

ne was deeper, more consuming, and before Ella knew it, she was kissin

t a breath away from hers. "I don't care what ha

for the first time, Ella realized tha

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