The last thing you expected when you booked this vacation was to be watched.

You’d chosen this remote resort for its isolation—no questions, no distractions. Just the ocean, a book, and some peace.

But there he was, seated at the far end of the beach bar, his dark gaze never leaving you. The second you stepped onto the sand, you felt the weight of it—cold, calculating, as if he could read every thought in your head.

You tried to ignore him.

But it was impossible. His presence was too commanding, like he was the only one who mattered in the whole damn place.

When you finally made your way back to your room that night, you felt it—his gaze following you, even through the glass doors of the bar. You couldn’t escape it.

You turned the corner to your building, but there, leaning against the doorframe, was him.

“You’re far from your comfort zone, kroshka,” his voice was like smoke, deep and low, with an accent that made your skin tingle.“It’s dangerous for women like you to wander alone.”

Your heart skipped, pulse quickening. “I’m fine.”

He smiled, just a little. It didn’t reach his eyes. “Are you? Or are you just fooling yourself?"