Serena Vale

~•~

By the time the sun went down, every trace of the life I'd been building with Douglas was gone.

Well, almost gone. I was still packing up my things to move them into Lila's place. Douglas and I had gotten this house together. It was mine as much as it was his but I couldn't live there anymore, not when every single corner reminded me of him. I would deal with the legalities of that later.

When I called the florist to let her know the wedding was off, she was confused. She had just delivered fresh flowers in the morning and was meant to deliver some more the next morning. The wedding planner was more than shocked. She revealed we were one of the sweetest couples she had met. Well, I used to think the same too.

Half of the calls I got were laced with fake sympathy. The other half were just hungry for gossip. The only people who cared about how I actually felt were my parents and cousins.

Douglas' family bombarded my phone with calls but I didn't respond to any of them. I couldn't.

I had to turn off my phone while I focused on taking everything of mine out of that house. Thankfully, Lila had a penthouse big enough to accommodate me and my things. I wasn't in the mood to pack this much to a hotel and she was barely at home anyway.

That night, I didn't sleep. I just sat by the window, watching the city lights through my tears until dawn came.

By the next morning, people were visiting me at Lila's penthouse. My friends came over, my parents, siblings, and cousins all wanted to comfort me. It was suffocating.

Douglas was calling me, leaving several text messages, telling me not to fuck this up. The rehearsal dinner had been canceled and people had texted him to know what was wrong, but he still wanted me to show up for the wedding. It was nauseating.

Amidst all the comforting words people kept throwing at me, I came to a decision. Douglas and I were supposed to leave for our honeymoon around seven in the evening. I had booked it as he was okay with anything. I couldn't sit there and watch everyone pity me because of Douglas' infidelity, so I packed a new suitcase.

"Where are you going?" Lila asked, standing by the doorway of my temporary room. My parents had just left when they realized I needed space from everyone.

"Liora Bay," I answered as I zipped up the suitcase. "For my honeymoon."

Lila blinked. "Your honeymoon?"

"I've been looking forward to going there. I won't let a man ruin that for me."

Lila bit down on her lip as though she had something to say, but was holding back.

The tickets were non-refundable. The villa had been paid for. I didn't think I'd have another chance to visit the island anytime soon, not with my upcoming job.

A lot of money had been wasted already with all the things I canceled. I couldn't let this one waste too. The island was supposed to be our honeymoon. Now, it would just be mine.

That evening, Lila helped me load my luggage into the car anyway. I was in a pair of sweats and oversized glasses, my hair pulled into a bun. I barely ever looked like this outside, but I just didn't have the energy to put effort into my looks at the moment.

"Text me when you land," she said. "And please don't make out with a mysterious stranger on the beach."

A soft laugh escaped me, the first real sign of happiness since I saw that picture. "I'll try not to."

"Good. Because heartbreak rebounds only work in the movies."

I smiled at her. The truth was that I didn't even think I was capable of attraction anymore. I'd just broken things off with Douglas twenty-four hours ago. I didn't have it in me to accommodate another man.

The drive to the airport was quiet. The sun was beginning to set and the skylines were tall and glittering, not caring that my world had just fallen apart.

At the check-in, the agent smiled politely. "I'm sorry, Ms Vale, but your flight has been delayed."

"What?" Was everything against me or what? "For how long?"

"I'm not sure yet. There's a maintenance issue. You'll need to wait until we announce and update."

Of course. The universe was adding salt to my injury.

I rolled my suitcase towards a seat and slumped down on it. I wasn't even surprised anymore. It just wasn't my year apparently.

That was when I noticed him.

A man was seated a few rows ahead, impossible not to notice. He had dark brown hair with dirty blonde tips. He leaned back with the kind is confidence that came from wealth and danger, or maybe both.

His suit was tailored to perfection. His watch gleamed softly under the airport lights. As if he could feel my gaze on him, he looked up.

He smiled faintly, holding my gaze for a few seconds too long before he went back to staring at his phone. I felt my stomach flip involuntarily, a reaction I scolded myself for.

'Not now, Serena.'

After nearly an hour of waiting, the announcement finally came through the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, flight 233 to Liora Bay has been canceled due to technical complications. Please approach the service desk for rebooking or refunds."

Canceled. Not delayed.

I pressed my lips together. "Perfect."

I'd already told all my friends that I was going to Liora Bay alone. I'd told them I needed space from everyone and everything yet it seemed like the world didn't want me to enjoy a moment of peace. If I hadn't canceled my wedding, would my honeymoon flight have been canceled too?

"Seems we're heading to the same destination."

Irritated, I turned my head, ready to dismiss whoever was trying to strike up a conversation built on my misfortune. I froze when I saw that the man from earlier was now sitting next to me.

Up close, he was even more dangerous. More dangerous in the sense that he was too beautiful. His jaw was too sharp. His eyes were too dark. His gaze was too inviting. There was a small scar near his eyebrow, faint but noticeable. It was almost like it was a flaw put there on purpose to humanize his perfection.

Yes, he was that handsome.

"Liora Bay?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"Yeah," he smiled. "The name is Ralph."

I hesitated for a moment before shaking it. "Serena."

His grip was firm and warm and he held my hand a second too long. "We're flying private and since we're heading in the same direction, you're welcome to join."

"We?"

"My..." he paused for a second as if he was finding the right words, "-friend is already in the jet. He hates delays."

I blinked in surprise. "You're offering me a seat on your private jet?"

"Unless you'd rather go back home or wait to book with a different airline." He shrugged. "Your call, sweetheart."

I glanced between him and the number of people disappointed that their flight had been canceled. Every rational part of me screamed stranger danger. But rationality had never gotten me anywhere. I rationalized my ex-fiancé's actions so much until it bit me in the ass.

Lila had warned me about making out with a mysterious man on the beach, but she never said anything about following one into his private jet.

"I don't usually accept offers from strangers..." I trailed off.

"Good, that means you're smart," Ralph replied, a tinge of an accent in his voice.

"Then why offer?"

"Because you look like you could use a change of scenery."

It was ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. And yet, a few minutes later, I found myself walking beside him across the private terminal, my suitcase rolling behind him.

Serena Vale

~•~

The jet was the definition of expensive. The cream and gold leather seats didn't look tacky. It looked like something out of a movie. Even the air smelled expensive.

Ralph stepped in first and extended his hand to me. I took it without hesitation, letting him pull me up the steps.

My eyes immediately zeroed in on the man sitting by the window. He looked up when he entered and blinked as if he was surprised to see me. He didn't say anything, he just stared at Ralph.

"This is Nik, N-I-K, Nik." Ralph spelled out, answering the unspoken question. "The friend I told you about."

"We're not friends." Nik quickly denied. His voice was deeper than Ralph's, and somehow, the way he spoke made him sound more serious than Ralph had.

However, Ralph wasn't bothered. "Don't mind him. We are. Nik, this is Serena. Her flight got canceled."

He raised a brow as if asking what that had to do with him.

"She's going in our direction. I decided to invite her."

Nik nodded once. His expression didn't give much away. I couldn't tell whether or not he was annoyed with my presence. Had I intruded on his private time? Did he not want me in their jet?

"Nice to meet you," I said, trying to sound composed. Inside, I was nervous as hell. I hadn't thought much about it when I decided to climb into a private jet with two strange men but now that they were both standing before me, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with their presence.

I was more than tempted to leave, but what was life without a few risks? I was tired of living so carefully. I was tired of living according to a particular plan. What was the worst thing that could happen anyway?

"You're scaring her, Nik." Ralph chuckled. "He might look like he does, but I promise, he doesn't bite. Also, if you don't feel comfortable with both of us, we're not going to force you to stay."

Could he read my mind?

I looked from Ralph to Nik, who seemed like he was also waiting for my response. Both gazes pinned on me had me flustered. "I'm not uncomfortable. I just didn't expect my night to end like this."

"In a good or bad way?"

I shrugged and Ralph nodded, guiding me to one of the seats. Ralph took the seat opposite me and Nik, who had claimed he wasn't friends with Ralph, sat next to him anyway.

My stomach twisted as the jet began to move. I was really doing this. I was flying with two strangers. I didn't know whether to blame it on my heartbreak or my lack of security consciousness, but I couldn't ask them to stop the jet halfway anymore.

Once they told us we could move around, the air hostess that I hadn't seen when I got on the jet poured us some champagne. Ralph handed me a glass. "So why are you going to Liora Bay?"

"My honeymoon," I answered bluntly, taking a sip of the champagne. It tasted better than any wine I'd ever taken before.

Ralph's mouth fell open. "What? Are you meeting your husband there or something?"

I laughed, but it lacked humor. "I didn't marry him. The wedding got called off."

"Don't tell me he cheated." My silence was enough of an answer for him. He shook his head. "Men are jerks." I arched an eyebrow at him. "I'm not an exception."

As Ralph and I conversed, Nik merely watched. I ended up telling him everything that had transpired in the past week. I didn't know if it was the alcohol or the thrill of the situation I was currently in, but it was easy to talk to him. Then again, it was always easier to talk to strangers.

By the time I was done with my story, he was both sympathetic and annoyed on my behalf. He poured me a new glass of champagne. "You need this more than I do."

I took it with a laugh. "You might be right."

When Nik finally spoke, his voice was low. "You're handling it better than most people would."

I looked over at him. It was the first time he was speaking directly to me. It was the second time I was hearing him speak. "You think so?"

"You're on a jet, heading to somewhere new, instead of crying in bed over someone who doesn't deserve it. That's something."

I smiled faintly. "I've done my fair share of crying."

"Before your trip is over, you'll feel better. I'll make sure of it." The words slid out of Ralph's lips casually as he leaned back in his seat.

The promise hung in the air, heavy and loaded. What did he mean by that?

I stared at him for a while. His tie was loosened now, his collar open. There was a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Somewhere between another glass of wine and another laugh, my chest started to feel heavier. Maybe Ralph was right. Maybe this trip was what I needed to feel better.

When Ralph's fingers traced a strand of hair from my cheek, I didn't pull away.

"You shouldn't feel so sad," he murmured.

"My wedding was supposed to happen today," my voice came out dry and sarcastic. "I haven't gotten used to not being with him," I admitted. Ralph was a stranger yet he was the first person I was telling this to. I was used to Douglas being in my life. I didn't think a day would come when I wouldn't want to see him anymore for the rest of my life.

"Then let me help you forget about him."

Ralph leaned forward, his movement slow and deliberate, like he was waiting for me to stop him. I didn't. Lila didn't tell me not to make out with a man in his private jet.

I wasn't chasing pleasure. I just wanted to feel something that didn't hurt.

In the next second, his mouth was on mine. The kiss was soft at first, testing me. Then it became deeper. His hand cradled my neck, his tongue slipping inside my mouth, the taste of champagne filling my senses.

Somewhere in the corner of my vision, Nik watched us. He didn't seem shocked. He didn't even seem to be judging. He was just watching.

I didn't know what the hell I was doing. I didn't have it in me to be attracted to a new man. I wasn't even over Douglas but as they said, you had to get under someone to get over someone.

And maybe, somewhere in the back of my mind, I already knew what I was getting into when I decided to follow him in.

Serena Vale

~•~

When Ralph finally pulled away, I was breathless.

Ralph ran his thumb over his lip like he couldn't believe he just kissed me. "Sorry if I caught you off guard." His apology was halfhearted. He was looking at me like he didn't mind that he caught me off guard. He was looking at me like he wanted to do it again.

Before I could respond, Nik spoke. "It doesn't look like she minded."

My entire face was red at his words because they were true. I didn't mind. I didn't mind that I'd broken up with my fiancé just yesterday. I didn't mind that I was on a jet with two hot strangers. I didn't mind that I just kissed one of them. I just wanted to let go for once. Besides, it wasn't like I was going to run into them after this. The island wasn't small. We could very well not run into each other for the rest of our trip.

"Don't listen to him," Ralph said, glaring at his friend.

"I didn't mind," I admitted quietly.

Ralph and Nik both stared at me like they couldn't believe I actually admitted that. Their combined gazes were heavy, making me hotter and more bothered than Ralph's kiss did.

These men were trouble. I knew it from the moment I entered the plane, but trouble had never been so exciting.

"You needed a distraction, didn't you?" Ralph asked as if he was trying to justify my reason for kissing him back.

I laughed, able to breathe easier. "That's an understatement of the century."

"Yeah?" Nik leaned forward, seemingly interested in my words. "Then let us distract you."

Us.

For a moment, the air shifted. Something unspoken passed between the three of us, something dangerous and reckless. I'd never kissed two men in the same night and definitely not in the same place but the bold reckless part of me wasn't thinking rationally this night, not after being betrayed by my ex and being in an enclosed space with two hot men. "How do you intend to do that?"

Nik and Ralph shared a glance at my question before Nik outstretched his hand to me.

Unsure of what he wanted to do, I took his hand hesitantly.

I squealed in surprise when he suddenly pulled me out of my seat and straight onto his lap. I didn't even get the opportunity to say anything before he covered his mouth with mine.

Unlike Ralph, Nik's kiss was rougher. He nipped at my lip. When I gasped, his tongue slid in smoothly, exploring my mouth with the precision of a man who was confident in everything he did.

I didn't even know he was interested in me at first! It was easy to guess with Ralph. He only invited me into his jet because he was interested but with the hard unreadable gazes Nik had been giving me since I got in, I never would have thought I would end up on his lap.

Despite myself, I wrapped my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. Nik groaned into my mouth and the sound sent shockwaves down my core.

When Nik finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against mine, breathing heavily. I was panting and unable to catch my breath. Shame lingered in the back of my mind but I still leaned in for another kiss.

"Whoa, okay," I heard Ralph speak beside me, causing me to pull away, red dusting my cheeks. "You weren't this enthusiastic with me." He complained."

"I was..." I said in between pants. "–adjusting."

"Now that you're done adjusting, a redo would be nice."

Leaning forward, I met Ralph in another kiss. This one was less hesitant than the last. He grabbed my throat, angling my head so he could kiss me better while I was still on Nik's lap. While kissing him, I didn't fail to remember how crazy all this was.

Nik's fingers found the hem of my shirt. For a second, I thought he was going to take it off but he merely inched his fingers underneath and rubbed steady circles on my skin. His touch was electric. In addition to Ralph's wet mouth, I was certain I was wetter than I'd ever been.

As Ralph continued to kiss me, Nik placed an open-mouthed kiss on my neck. I recoiled, the contact intense, but there was nowhere to go.

Seeing as I was starting to get overwhelmed, both men pulled back, giving me space to breathe.

"Do you know how badly I want to take you right here?" Nik's voice was husky as he spoke.

"What's stopping you?" The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

Nik chuckled, the sound low and dark. "Because you're at a disadvantage here."

"What?"

"You're on a plane with two strangers. I don't want you to feel coerced."

I wouldn't feel coerced but I understood where he was coming from so I didn't push it. Instead, I left Nik's lap and went back to my seat, trying to pretend I wasn't heavily affected by everything we just did, like I wasn't breathless and trembling.

"How about you join us for the weekend?" Ralph asked instead.

"W-what?"

"Join us," he repeated, more steadily this time. "We can make this weekend worth your while. No camera, no exes. Just peace."

I looked between the two men. They were serious about this. "That wouldn't be appropriate..."

"Why wouldn't it be?" His eyebrows furrowed. "There'll be no rules, no expectations. Just forget everything for a few days."

A weekend fling with both of them. That was what he was asking. This was crazy. I barely knew them. I didn't know their last names nor did they know mine. But then again, that was the thrill of it.

I never would have thought my honeymoon trip would turn into a weekend fling. Truly, no one could predict the future.

"We'll be landing soon," Nik spoke.

Sensing my hesitation, Ralph brought out a card from his pocket and handed it over to me. It just had his name and his number. "Just think about it and call us when you reach a decision."

I nodded, putting the card in my bag.

"Do you need us to drive you to your resort?"

I shook my head. "It's fine. I can get there myself." I assured him, but I knew that it was only because sharing an even smaller vehicle with them would make me make more bad decisions.