Oops my bad

As the hour ticked down, I sat on the beach, pretending to read my book while keeping an eye out for Rowena.

The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting everything in golden light, and with every passing second, my anticipation grew. When I finally glanced toward the volleyball court and didn't see Rowena anywhere, my heart skipped a beat.

Time to move.

I threw my things together as quickly and quietly as I could. My towel, sunscreen, and book were stuffed haphazardly into my bag, and I slung it over my shoulder.

Without a backward glance, I made my way off the beach and toward the hotel grounds, my sandals slapping against the stone path as I hurried to the sauna's location.

The sky was streaked with hues of pink and orange now, the evening air cooler but still humid from the day. My cheeks were warm, but whether it was from the sun or the anticipation, I wasn't sure.

When I reached the sauna, I paused to collect myself. The building was small and tucked away, surrounded by tropical plants and discreetly lit by lanterns.

The scent of cedarwood and eucalyptus wafted through the air, making the place feel like its own little sanctuary.

I stepped inside, and there she was Luncindra. She leaned casually against the doorway to one of the private sauna rooms, her usual smirk in place. She wore a loose tank top and shorts, her toned arms crossed over her chest as if she'd been waiting for me this whole time.

"You made it," she said, her voice low and teasing.

"Of course," I replied, a little breathless.

Luncindra tilted her head toward the door behind her. "Come on. I reserved us a spot."

I followed her into the private sauna, my heart racing. The room was beautiful spacious with wooden benches that gleamed from the low, ambient lighting.

The walls were made of smooth cedar, and a small window on one side revealed the last rays of sunlight filtering through the trees.

A stone heater sat in the corner, glowing softly as it radiated heat and infused the room with the scent of eucalyptus.

Luncindra closed the door behind us, locking it with a quiet click that sent a shiver down my spine.

"This place is nice," I said, sliding onto one of the benches.

"Only the best for a princess," Luncindra said, winking as she sat down across from me.

My stomach did a little flip at the word princess. "How do you know I'm a princess?"

She smirked. "You think I don't know who you are, Rhiannon? Word gets around, especially when royalty is involved."

I rolled my eyes. "Great. Now I feel like a walking headline."

"Relax," she said, her tone playful. "I didn't bring you here to interrogate you. I just wanted to talk. Get to know you."

"Talk?" I arched a brow, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Really?"

"Yeah," she said, leaning back and stretching her long legs out. "What's wrong with that?"

I tried to hide my frustration. "Nothing. It's just… you don't seem like the 'let's talk' type."

She chuckled, the sound deep and warm. "I get that a lot. But I'm more than just muscles and charm, you know."

"Debatable," I teased, though I couldn't help but smile.

She grinned, taking it as a challenge. "Okay, princess. Let's test the theory. Tell me something about yourself—something no one else knows."

I hesitated. "Like what?"

"Anything. A secret, a dream, something embarrassing. Your pick."

I thought for a moment, the heat of the sauna making my head feel a little fuzzy. "Well… I hate raisins," I admitted.

Luncindra laughed. "Raisins? That's your big secret?"

"They're disgusting!" I said defensively. "Little shriveled up nightmares pretending to be candy."

She was still laughing, her voice filling the small room. "Fair enough. But that's hardly embarrassing."

I smirked. "Your turn, then."

She tilted her head, considering. "Alright. When I was a kid, I used to collect rocks. Like, obsessively. My parents thought I was going to grow up to be a geologist."

I snorted. "And now you're… what, exactly?"

She grinned. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Before I could press her further, Luncindra leaned forward, her eyes locking onto mine. "Your turn again."

But I didn't feel like talking anymore. The heat of the room, the way her gaze lingered on me—it was too much.

Instead of answering, I leaned across the space between us and kissed her.

She froze for a split second before her hands found my waist, pulling me closer as she kissed me back.

The heat of the sauna was nothing compared to the fire that sparked between us. Her lips were soft but commanding, her grip firm but not overbearing.

I lost myself in the moment, forgetting everything else as her fingers trailed up my spine, sending shivers down my overheated skin.

And then—

BAM!

The door to the sauna flew open, slamming against the wall.

I pulled back with a groan, turning toward the source of the interruption.

Standing in the doorway was the woman from before the one with the tattoos and piercing purple eyes. She raised a brow, clearly amused by what she'd walked in on.

"Oops. My bad," she said, smirking.

As the door swung shut behind the tattooed woman, the quiet click of it closing felt louder than it should have. For a moment, the sauna returned to its hushed, steamy silence, save for the soft crackle of the stones heating on the burner.

I stared at the door like it might magically swing open again, and she'd walk back in to explain herself. Or maybe sweep me off my feet like something out of a ridiculous romance novel.

But nope. Just me, Luncindra, and the sweltering heat.

Luncindra shifted closer, her smirk widening. "Now, where were we?" Her hand came to rest on my knee, her intentions clear as she leaned in again. But right now I was absolutely not in the mood for that.

"No."