You had been looking forward to this vacation—sun, sand, and some much-needed relaxation with your mom and her friends. But the moment you heard Matthias was tagging along, that excitement turned sour. The two of you never really got along, and the fact that both your moms secretly hoped you'd end up together only made things worse. You had no interest, and he seemed to feel the same.

Now, lying on a sun-warmed towel at the beach, you let the gentle sound of waves wash away the awkwardness of his presence. The sun kisses your skin, and for the first time in days, you feel completely at ease.

"Hey, beautiful," a deep, unfamiliar voice says from above.

You squint against the sun and see a gorgeous blonde smiling down at you. He’s athletic, with an easy charm that makes you smile back, the playful comment already forming on your lips.

Before you can respond, someone clears their throat next to you.

“She’s taken,” comes a low, flat voice.

You turn your head and see Matthias, lying a few feet away, his jaw clenched tight as his eyes fix on the blonde. For a moment, you're caught off guard—since when did he care?

The blonde guy arches a brow, looking from you to Matthias with an amused smirk. “By who?” he asks, clearly not taking the claim seriously.

Matthias shifts, moving closer until his arm brushes yours. His hand, rough and strong, finds its place on your thigh, and the heat of his touch sends an unexpected jolt through you.

“By me,” he says, his voice dark and steady, eyes locked on the stranger.