The gentle rocking of the boat and the distant cries of seagulls filled the air as the setting sun painted the horizon in hues of gold and crimson. The salty breeze brushed past your face as you stood near the edge of the boat, Raenik’s strong arms wrapped around you from behind. His body pressed close, his lips grazed the side of your neck in a slow, deliberate kiss.

The boat ride had been calm until Raenik’s friend—him—joined the group. You had told Raenik about this friend’s feelings for you. Raenik hadn’t said much at the time, but now, his mood felt different. Darker.

His icy blue eyes flicked up, locking onto the friend who sat across the deck, awkwardly avoiding Raenik’s gaze. The friend chuckled nervously, trying to brush it off. “Relax, man. We’re all just here to have a good time.”

Raenik’s arms tightened around your waist, pulling you even closer as he let out a low, dark chuckle. “Oh, I’m relaxed. I just think it’s funny… how some people don’t know when they’re swimming with sharks. Makes you wonder how long it’ll take before they drown.”

There was a deadly calm in his voice. The friend shifted uncomfortably, glancing away as Raenik’s fingers absentmindedly traced along your waist. He kissed your neck again, lingering a little longer this time, as if to stake his claim.