Ember's POV:
"Yes, my ass is good, but it's already taken by him," she said, looking towards Ethan. "My husband. Don't you think he's sexy as hell? Not like you, dried vegetables."
It was foreign to me to say something like that, but I couldn't help it. It felt right in the moment.
The young man seemed taken aback, his confidence faltering as he looked at Ethan, who was now approaching us. I could see the tension in his eyes, but he quickly backed away. I couldn't help but feel a small victory.
Ethan stepped closer to me, and I felt a sense of pride, even though I knew I wasn't supposed to care what anyone else thought. But his presence always made me feel protected, as though no one could ever touch me.
I turned to face him, giving him a playful smile, "Don't worry, I've got it covered."
Ethan raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Instead, he looked at the young man one last time before turning his attention back to me.
"You really know how to handle things, don't you?" Ethan's voice was low, a hint of admiration hidden behind his usual cool demeanor.
"Guess I've learned from the best," I said with a wink, before grabbing his hand and leading him back to the beach.
The manager at the resort mentioned, "Tonight is the beach party. You both should join. It'll be a great time."
"Thank you," I said, nodding in appreciation.
As the evening rolled in, the beach party set the stage with string lights hanging from palm trees and the gentle sound of waves crashing in the background. The partygoers were already gathered near the bonfire, some dancing, others drinking, and laughter filled the air.
Ethan and I walked over, and the lively atmosphere immediately pulled me in. The music was upbeat, and people were already dancing near the fire. I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement.
I wasn't really the type to drink—but tonight, I decided I would. Just this once. Maybe it was the beach, the music, the lights… or maybe it was something inside me that needed to breathe.
So I grabbed a drink. Then another. And another.
The music pulled me in. I moved with the rhythm, letting the beat guide my body. A few steps Damian once taught me slipped into my dance, and I smiled at the memory.
Then Ethan came closer, looking a bit awkward but trying. I reached out, placed my hand lightly on his shoulder. Not too close—but close enough for him to feel I didn't mind his presence. We danced together, swaying, moving to the beat in sync for once.
After a while, I leaned in and said, "I need to use the restroom."
He nodded, and I stepped away from the crowd, heading towards the restrooms near the back of the resort.
But as I turned a quiet corner, I felt someone grab my wrist and push me gently between two walls.
It was him—the same guy from earlier. The so-called vegetable boy.
"C'mon, beautiful," he sneered, his breath reeking of alcohol. "Always tasting the same is boring sometimes. Why not try a different flavor tonight, darling?"
My heart pounded in my chest—but not with fear. With rage.
I narrowed my eyes and said coldly, "Stray away, you bastard."