Fall

"So, how can you send such amounts so easily?" I ask, genuinely curious.

Zane leans back, a knowing smile on his face. "You see, every bank has this option for people from a certain tax bracket. Most have discreet payment options that shouldn't be exposed."

I frown, not quite understanding. "What do you mean... oh... ohhhhh." The realization hits me. Who would have thought?

"Yeah," Zane says, laughing a little at my reaction.

"So, do you have 'discreet payments'?" I ask, my curiosity piqued further.

Zane coughs, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his expression. "No comment on that." He gently pulls me off his lap and heads for the door, clearly eager to escape the conversation.

"Wow, why are you running away?" I tease, watching his retreating figure. Zane leaves the room like the wind, his hasty exit almost comical.

I giggle, picturing his embarrassed expression. The mighty Zane, flustered by a simple question about his finances. It's a rare glimpse into his otherwise composed demeanor, and it endears him to me even more.

As I sit there, the weight of the recent events begins to settle. Zane's investment is a lifeline, a chance to turn things around for Pulsar's Resort. But more than that, it's a testament to the bond we've formed, a friendship that's growing stronger with each passing day.

I glance around my office, the hologlyph still displaying the detailed plans for the resort's revival. With the funds now available, these plans can finally become a reality.

Determined, I stand up and head towards the door. There's work to be done, and for the first time in a long while, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. With Zane's support and our shared vision, Pulsar's Resort can become the thriving sanctuary it was always meant to be.

And as for Zane, I smile to myself, knowing that our friendship is just beginning. His presence in my life is a gift, one that I cherish deeply.

*

The sound of laughter emanating from my intercom grates on my nerves. "That's enough," I say sharply to the offending voice.

"I'm sorry, it's just so amusing," Ethan responds, before bursting into another fit of laughter.

I sigh, exasperated, and walk to the window. Seeing no one outside, I head to my shower. Removing the intercom from my wrist, I place it on the shelf and step into the hot cascade, trying to ignore Ethan's continuing laughter.

"You can't blame me, Zane. You're the smart guy who decided to befriend the girl you have the biggest crush on," Ethan says after his laughter subsides.

"I didn't like her that much a few weeks ago," I retort, feeling the hot water blisters my skin. "Sure, I wanted to sleep with her, but now... now I really like her, and it's driving me crazy."

"How smart," Ethan chimes in sarcastically. "It's just that I've known you all our lives, and this is the first time you actually like a girl. It's cute. Most of us went through this as teenagers, you know."

"I know. It's torture," I admit, frustration seeping into my voice. "I get to be around her so much, and it makes me happy. But she's so seductive without even realizing it. She's so carefree with me, and all I can think about is wanting her to scream my name."

"Maybe she'd be more cautious if you didn't spend so much time being the good friend," Ethan laughs again. "Ha ha ha ha."

"I can't even fault you for laughing. I shot myself in the foot, didn't I?" I say, rinsing off the soap.

"Listen, I hate to admit this, but you are so attractive. Use your charms. It's better than walking around with 24/7 blue balls," Ethan advises, clearly enjoying himself.

"No, thank you," I dismiss him, turning off the shower and stepping out. "I think this friendship thing between us is important. I'm not risking it."

Wrapping a towel around my waist, I pick up the intercom, sighing again as I reflect on the situation. Ethan's words, though irritating, have a kernel of truth. My feelings for Leona have grown deeper than I anticipated. But I can't risk ruining what we have.

"Why are you so stubborn, Zane?" Ethan's voice crackles through the intercom. "You have a chance here. Don't waste it."

"Ethan, it's not that simple," I say, wiping the steam from the mirror and staring at my own reflection. "I value her friendship too much to jeopardize it. And besides, what if she doesn't feel the same way? I could lose her completely."

"Or, you could gain something even more meaningful," Ethan counters. "Think about it."

I turn off the intercom, cutting off any further discussion. I need to clear my head.

Leaving my suite, I notice a figure gracefully swimming in the joined pool. Who else could it be but Leona? Drawn to the edge of the pool, I stand and watch as she cuts through the water with effortless elegance. The steam rising from the pool creates a fog, diffusing the light from Aurelia's three moons and casting a dreamy, otherworldly glow over everything.

Leona spots me and swims toward the edge where I stand. She moves like a siren, her beauty amplified by the ethereal ambiance. If I were a sailor, I'd willingly follow her to my demise.

"Zane," she says, her voice slightly breathless as she looks up at me, droplets of water clinging to her eyelashes.

"What are you, a fish?" I tease, reaching down to brush a wet strand of hair away from her face. She gazes up at me, and I'm struck once again by how extraordinarily beautiful she is. It should be illegal.

"Did you just take a shower? You smell amazing," Leona remarks, leaning into my palm that's now cupping her cheek.

Who says things like that? My heart pounds in my chest. The way she leans into my touch sends a thrill through me, like I own the world in that moment.

"I did, so I can't hop in," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Bummer," she replies, a playful pout on her lips.

She stays there, her head resting against my hand. The moonlight dances on her skin, creating a soft, almost magical glow around her. The gentle sounds of the water and the distant hum of the resort at night add to the serene atmosphere.

"How's your evening been?" I ask, my thumb lightly caressing her cheek.

"Better now," she replies, her eyes meeting mine with a warmth that makes my heart skip a beat. "Swimming helps me clear my mind."

"I can see that," I say softly, captivated by the tranquility in her gaze. "You seem so at peace."

"It's one of the few places where I feel truly free," she confesses, her voice barely above a whisper. "The water, the moons, the quiet... it's all so calming."

"Help me up," Leona says, extending her hand towards me. Without hesitation, I pull her out of the pool, the ease with which she relies on me evident. I might have spoiled her a bit, though she doesn't seem to realize it. Around me, she subconsciously acts like an overgrown child, seeking comfort and familiarity. I don't want to be presumptuous, but I've observed how she interacts with the staff and other guests, earning the moniker 'Ice Queen.' It's almost amusing because the Leona I know is anything but cold.

Knowing that I'm the one who gets to see her many different sides makes me feel incredibly special. It's a secret privilege that fills me with warmth.

"Let me get a towel," Leona says, stepping out of the pool and squeezing water from her hair. My eyes follow a single droplet as it journeys from her temple, down her neck, and nestles between her breasts. I snap out of my trance, feeling irrationally jealous of a mere droplet of water.

Leona strides towards the towels, but suddenly her foot slips on the wet floor. Without thinking, I rush to her, managing to cushion her head just before it hits the ground. We tumble to the marble floor in a tangle of limbs, the impact jarring but not painful.

"Are you okay?" I ask, my voice laced with concern as I peer into her face. The moonlight makes her eyes look like deep, captivating black holes, threatening to pull me in.

"I'm fine," Leona assures me, her voice steady despite the fall. "Nothing's broken, I might be a little sore though."

I carefully help her up, our bodies still close from the tumble. "Let's get you somewhere comfortable," I say, my hands lingering a moment longer on her arms to ensure she's steady.

She nods, and we slowly make our way to a lounge chair by the pool. I grab a towel and gently drape it around her shoulders, my hands brushing against her skin. The sensation sends a shiver down my spine.

"Thank you," she says softly, her eyes meeting mine. "You're always there to catch me, aren't you?"

"Always," I reply, my voice full of conviction. "I wouldn't let you fall."