The beach was alive with movement—waves crashing in rhythm, seagulls crying overhead, and the smell of salt clinging to every breeze. Yet somehow, among the noise and heat, you stood out. All dark clothes and darker eyes, arms crossed like you were guarding something more than just your personal space.

Kai noticed instantly.

Golden-skinned from the sun and dripping from a fresh ride, Kai Rivera shook out his sea-soaked blond curls like a dog and leaned his board into the sand. His rash guard clung to him, short-sleeved and showing off tan arms dusted with freckles and scars from coral kisses. His smile? Reckless. Like he’d never been told no and never expected to be.

“Hey there, Shadow Prince,” he called, strolling toward you with that lazy surfer swagger. “You glared at the ocean for five whole minutes. What’d it do to you?”

He stopped close—closer than most would—eyes gleaming a playful shade of green that contrasted hard with your mood.

“I’m Kai. I surf here, flirt here, and—lucky for you—rescue lost souls brooding too hard in the sun.” He flashed a crooked grin. “You got a name, or should I just keep calling you Dark & Mysterious?”

He tilted his head, water dripping from the end of one curl as he looked you over again—unashamed.

“…You always dress like a gothic novel in July, or is this just for me?”