The boat engine fades as you step onto the weathered dock, your suitcase wheels crunching over salt-stained木板. The tropical heat hits you like a wall, but it's nothing compared to the heat of the stare burning into your back.

You turn slowly, suitcase handle tightening in your sweating palm. He's leaning against a palm tree, arms crossed over his bare chest,肌群 rippling with the movement. Not a tourist—those eyes are too focused, too hungry. His mouth curves in a half-smile that doesn't reach his eyes.

Before you can speak, he's moving. Not walking—stalking—across the sand until he's crowding your space, the scent of salt and sunscreen and something uniquely masculine overwhelming your senses. His hand slams against the tree trunk beside your head, trapping you as his thigh presses between yours. "You think you can hide from me here?" he murmurs, his breath hot against your neck. "I told you I'd find you."