Chapter 8

Ivy

The text message popped up on my phone.

High School D-bag: "Maldives. One week. Pack light."

One line was all it took to send my anxiety into overdrive.

The Maldives. I'd always dreamed of going there, imagining the pristine beaches and turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye could see.

But with Aidan Blackwood?

My hands trembled as I threw clothes haphazardly into my suitcase, panic rising in my chest. What was I thinking agreeing to this? A whole week alone with him in paradise, pretending to be newlyweds. The thought of it made me want to bolt.

Yet a traitorous part of me tingled with excitement at the idea of Aidan's arm around my waist, his lips brushing against my neck as we watched the sunset from our private bungalow.

Wait...what the heck was I thinking!?

I shook my head fiercely, grabbing fistfuls of shirts to stuff into any available space in my luggage. No. I couldn't think that way. No matter how attractive that douchebag was, I couldn't let myself be swayed by him.

Aidan would be insufferable the entire trip, mocking me with that infuriating smirk of his. He'd find endless ways to get under my skin, teasing and taunting as he always did. There was no way I'd enjoy a single moment with him, no matter how beautiful the scenery.

My bag secured, I took a deep breath and steeled my nerves. One week. I just had to survive one week in paradise with the devil himself. What could possibly go wrong?

~-~

There was a sharp knock on my front door, and my heart leaped into my throat. This was it. Time to face the music.

I dragged myself to the door and opened it to find Aidan leaning against the frame, all casual grace and predatory smiles. His gaze raked over me in a slow, deliberate once-over that made my cheeks burn.

"Well, don't you look ravishing," he purred, pushing off the frame to step closer. Before I could protest, he wrapped me in an embrace, dipping his head to nuzzle my neck. I stiffened, my pulse racing as his scent enveloped me. "Ready for our grand adventure, darling?"

I shoved him away with a scowl. "Keep your hands to yourself."

He chuckled, unfazed. "Come now, we have to keep up appearances. What kind of newlywed husband would I be if I didn't shower you with affection?"

"The kind that values his life." I grabbed my suitcase and stormed past him towards the sleek red Porsche idling at the curb.

Aidan sidled up behind me, breath tickling my ear. "Like it? I thought we should arrive in style."

The contrast between the luxury vehicle and my frayed nerves only amplified my anxiety. This was going to be a long week.

Aidan opened the passenger door with a flourish. "Your chariot awaits, milady."

I threw him a angry look and climbed inside, gripping the leather seat as he slid into the driver's seat. The engine purred to life, and we pulled away from the curb, off on our grand adventure.

My adventure in hell.

Aidan casually draped an arm over my shoulders, pulling me against him. I stiffened, pulse racing at his proximity. His cologne enveloped me, a mix of sandalwood and something else intoxicating.

I fought the urge to inhale deeper, torn between irritation at his behavior and an unwanted attraction I didn't know how to process.

"Relax," he murmured, mistaking my tension for nerves. "It's just me."

"That's the problem," I retorted, shrugging out of his embrace.

He chuckled, unfazed as always. "You wound me."

I folded my arms and gazed out the window, watching the city rush by. "Just drive."

We arrived at the private airport, where Aidan's jet was already waiting on the tarmac. My eyes widened at the sleek aircraft, pulse accelerating. I could afford a private jet if I wanted to, but I never felt the need. But, of course, Aidan would be the type to flash his wealth.

Aidan grinned at my reaction, grabbing my hand as we exited the car. "Ready for your first flight on a Gulfstream?"

I yanked my hand from his grasp but couldn't hide my curiosity. "It's huge."

"Size does matter," he quipped with a smirk.

I shot him a blazing look. "Keep your crude comments to yourself."

"My apologies." But his eyes gleamed with delight as he ushered me up the stairs into the luxurious cabin.

I sank into one of the seats.

Aidan settled into the seat across from me, gazing at me with an unreadable expression. "Comfortable?"

I fidgeted under the intensity of his stare. "I am fine."

As the jet engines roared to life, I gripped the armrests of my seat. Aidan noticed my knuckles turning white and leaned forward, covering one of my hands with his.

"Are you afraid of flying?" His voice was gentle, all traces of mockery gone.

I nodded, avoiding his gaze. His hand was warm and strong against mine, sparks dancing across my skin at his touch. I bit my lip, cursing my traitorous reaction.

"Relax," he said softly. "I won't let anything happen to you."

His reassurance only made me more aware of him and the confusing tangle of emotions he evoked. I tugged my hand free, folding my arms across my chest.

Aidan sat back with a sigh, raking a hand through his hair. For a moment, he looked as weary as I felt. But in the next second, his usual cocky grin was back in place.

"So, wifey..."

"Stop calling me that," I said through gritted teeth. "This isn't a real honeymoon and never will be."

"As you wish." He shrugged, the picture of nonchalance. But his eyes glinted with challenge as if daring me to admit this was affecting me as much as him.

I turned to stare out the window at the clouds below, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response. The plane took off, whisking us away to our destination.

I closed my eyes and slowly drifted into sleep. I didn't know how long I was out, but I didn't wake up until the plane touched down with a gentle bump, jolting me awake.

I straightened in my seat, pulse racing as the engines wound to a stop. This was it. We were finally here.

Aidan stood, offering me his hand. I placed my palm in his, surprised by the steadiness of his grip. His eyes met mine, a question in their depths. I drew in a breath and nodded. I was ready.

We exited the plane into the warm tropical air, the heavy scent of blooms and sea salt teasing my senses. Palm trees lined a white sand beach, their fronds rustling in the breeze. Cobalt waves crashed along the shore, sunlight glinting off their crests.

It was paradise.

Aidan guided me towards a sprawling villa of wood and stone, vibrant flowers spilling over every surface. "Welcome to Maldives," he said.

I turned to find him watching me, an unreadable expression on his face. "It's beautiful here," I said.

He grinned. "Not as beautiful as you."

Heat flooded my cheeks at the compliment, but I rolled my eyes. He was so full of shit.

"Come on," Aidan said gently. "Let's go inside."

The villa was even more stunning on the inside, with high ceilings, polished wooden floors and large windows.

Aidan set our bags onto the floor, glancing over at me. "Are you hungry? Thirsty?" His brow furrowed. "Is there anything you need?"

I shook my head, still taking it all in. "I'm fine. This place is amazing."

"Good." He moved closer, hands sliding around my waist. "Now that we're finally alone, there's something I've been wanting to do all day."

My heart stuttered at the heat in his gaze. "Oh? And what's that?"

He dipped his head, breath warm against my lips. "This," he said and pressed his lips to mine.

His kiss was rough, and I was too stunned to push him away at first. My body betrayed me as I accidentally kissed him back, my lips moving against his in a heated caress. His arms tightened around me, one hand tangling in my hair while the other pressed against the small of my back, pulling me closer. 

A painful memory from the past suddenly resurfaced in my mind, bitter and cruel...