Stella climbed onto the sleek black jet ski, settling herself in the front seat. Simon followed, effortlessly swinging his leg over and taking the seat behind her. Just as she inserted the keys and switched it on, the engine roared to life, sending a thrilling vibration beneath them.
Before she could react, Simon's arm snaked around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. His other hand lazily rested over hers on the handle, his touch igniting a spark within her.
"Alright, tell me the directions," Stella said, her voice slightly shaky.
Simon leaned in, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Straight ahead," he murmured, his warm breath fanning her skin.
Taking a deep breath, Stella revved the engine and they sped off into the open water. A surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins, making her heart race. The cold air whipped against her face, and she couldn't help but let out an excited gasp.
"This is insane!" she squealed, her laughter blending with the sound of the crashing waves.
Simon chuckled darkly, his grip on her waist tightening. Without warning, he leaned in and began placing slow, tantalizing kisses along her neck.
"Eyes ahead," Simon commanded, his lips brushing against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
Stella's grip on the handle faltered as her eyes fluttered shut for a brief moment. "Simon," she warned, her voice breathless. "Stop… otherwise we'll both end up drowning."
Simon let out a deep, amused laugh, his teeth grazing her skin lightly. "I wouldn't mind drowning if it's with you, little fish," he teased, his voice dripping with mischief.
Biting her lip, Stella swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing herself to focus on driving. This man will be the death of me, she thought, her face heating up.
After nearly an hour of cutting through the waves, Simon finally guided her toward a small, secluded island. The moment they approached the shore, Stella slowed down, her eyes widening in surprise.
Stella turned her head slightly to catch his expression, her brows furrowing. "How many islands do you even own?"
"Two," Simon replied effortlessly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "The other one's for parties… but this one," he said, his voice lowering, "this one's just for us."
A blush crept up Stella's cheeks, and she quickly turned her attention back to the water.
"Look up," Simon murmured, his voice softer now.
Stella hesitated but did as he said. Her breath caught in her throat. The sky above them was breathtaking — a sea of endless stars scattered across the night canvas, and a crescent moon shining brighter than usual. It felt like something out of a dream. The beauty of it all made her chest ache.
"It's beautiful," Stella whispered, completely mesmerized.
"Indeed it is," Simon murmured again, his voice so low it was almost a whisper in her ear.
Stella smiled, about to turn and respond when she realized his eyes weren't on the sky — they were on her. His intense gaze bore into her like he was memorizing every inch of her face, and it made her breath hitch.
"Do you want to know the name of the island?" Simon asked,
Stella turned her head slightly, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Yeah… what is it?"
A sly smirk tugged at his lips. "Simel Island."
Stella frowned, processing the name. Simel? What kind of name is that? she thought, confusion flashing across her face. "Simel?" she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief.
Simon remained silent, his expression blank as he watched her closely. And then, realization dawned on her like a lightning bolt. Her mouth formed a perfect 'O.'
"Wait—" she gasped, pointing at him. "Simon and Stella?"
A chuckle escaped her lips, but Simon continued staring, his face void of humor.
"That is so cringy," Stella teased, trying to hold back her giggles.
Simon narrowed his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "You have a problem with it?"
"Not exactly…" she drawled, leaning towards him. "It's just—" she bit her lip, "unexpected."
"But…" she dragged the word out playfully, closing the gap between them, "It's sweet." And with that, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek.
The simple touch of her lips sent a sharp pang of desire through Simon. His jaw tightened, and his grip on her waist involuntarily grew firmer. Stella, unaware of the storm she just ignited, smiled sweetly and turned her gaze ahead.
However, a subtle shift in her seat made her pause. Something hard and solid pressed beneath her, making her blink. She ignored it, assuming it was the seat handle. But when she turned back to Simon, she froze. His eyes were no longer their usual deep brown—they were pitch black, darkened by unbridled desire.
A shiver ran down her spine. "Uh… why are you looking at me like that?"
Simon's tongue darted out to wet his lips, his voice dropping to a dangerously low octave. "Do you know where exactly you're sitting?"
Stella's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
His jaw flexed, and a sinister smirk danced on his lips. "On my cock, baby." His voice was rough, dark, and laced with pure desire. "And now, it wants you."
Stella's breath hitched. Her gaze darted to where she sat — directly on his lap, and the hard thing beneath her wasn't the seat handle. Oh my god.
"Shit—" she gasped, attempting to scramble off.
"Oh no, you don't," Simon growled, his arm snaking around her waist, yanking her back against his chest. "You started this. You're not getting away now."
Stella turned her head, her heart hammering in her chest. His heated gaze met hers, and the air around them crackled with tension. His dark eyes flicked to her lips, and without a second thought, Simon leaned in, capturing her mouth in a hot, breathless kiss.
A groan rumbled from deep within Simon's chest as his mouth devoured hers. His hand tightened on her waist, pulling her flush against his painfully hard length, making Stella moan into his mouth. His teeth nibbled on her bottom lip, eliciting another whimper from her. She turned her body slightly, angling herself for better access.
But just as she shifted, her leg accidentally bumped the gear of the jet ski. Without warning, the vehicle jerked violently, and both of them lost balance.
"Shit—" Stella gasped as they tumbled into the water.
The cold splash of water jolted Stella's senses. Gasping, she surfaced, her eyes frantically blinking to clear her vision. Her breath hitched when she spotted Simon a few feet away, floating effortlessly, his drenched hair clinging to his face, and his soaked shirt outlining every carved muscle on his body. But it wasn't his body that made her stomach flip — it was that wicked, predatory grin curving his lips.
Stella's heart raced, but she forced herself to smirk back. Not so easy, Simon Winchester.
Without a second thought, she lunged toward the jet ski, grabbing the duffel bag before Simon could react. "Dibs!" she shouted mischievously and took off toward the mansion like her life depended on it.
Simon froze for a split second, stunned by her audacity. Then his grin darkened. Oh, you want to play games, little fish?
He didn't chase her. No — that would be too easy. Instead, he lazily swam toward the shore, his eyes never leaving her figure as she bolted toward the towering iron gates of the mansion. He smirked darkly, knowing she wouldn't get far.
Stella, panting, reached the mansion door. Her hands trembled slightly as she fished out the keys from her pocket. "Come on, come on," she muttered, sliding the key into the lock. With a victorious click, the door opened, and she slammed it shut behind her.
A triumphant grin stretched across her face. "I win," she whispered smugly to herself.
Dropping the duffel bag onto the couch, she took a deep breath, finally taking in the grandeur of the mansion. It was hauntingly beautiful — dark charcoal walls, Gothic architecture, and an unsettling stillness in the air. It screamed Simon.
Her gaze flickered around, searching for the master bedroom. I know exactly where it is, she thought, remembering the blueprint she had sneakily studied a few days ago.
Following her instincts, she climbed the winding staircase until she reached the grand bedroom. As soon as she stepped inside, the lights automatically turned on, revealing the massive king-sized bed in the center, draped in sleek black silk sheets and plush pillows. The dark walls, accented with subtle gold lines, made the room look intimidating and dangerously captivating — just like Simon.
"Damn… why is this so sexy?" she muttered under her breath, walking further inside. Her fingers grazed the smooth mahogany fireplace when her eyes caught a black staircase leading downwards. What's down there?
Curiosity gnawed at her. Without hesitation, she descended the stairs, the walls dark and the air colder as she went deeper. At the bottom was a door. Stella swallowed, hesitant for a brief moment, before pushing it open.
Her breath hitched.
The room was nothing less than a dark fantasy — a large, in-built waterfall shower that cascaded into a small heated pool. The walls were made of smooth black stone, and ambient lighting gave it an alluring glow.
A sly grin crept onto Stella's lips. Might as well freshen up.
Switching on the water, she watched the pool begin to fill. The cascading waterfall looked too tempting, but she decided to head back up and change first. Leaving the water running, she climbed back up the staircase, her mind still buzzing with excitement.
Where is he? she wondered as she reached the master bedroom again. Simon hadn't shown up yet, which was unlike him. Her victory now felt less triumphant and more… unnerving.
She stepped back toward the hallway when she heard it.
Thud.
Stella froze.
Her head snapped toward the bedroom. What the hell was that?
Seconds passed. Silence.
Just as she exhaled a relieved breath —
Thud.
Her blood ran cold. She turned toward the sound, her pulse hammering in her ears. Stepping into the bedroom, she glanced around. Empty.
She was about to turn and leave when —
Thud.
Louder this time. From the bathroom.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she made her way back toward the black staircase. "Simon?" she called out softly, her voice echoing in the chilling silence. No response.
Her pulse quickened as she reached the bottom and placed her hand on the door handle. She hesitated for a brief moment before pushing it open.
The waterfall was still running, the pool now filled, but the room was eerily quiet. No sign of Simon.
"Simon?" she tried again, her voice weaker now.
And then —