Sakura woke the next morning feeling both exhausted and apprehensive—exhausted due to the modeling work yesterday and apprehensive because today was the day she had promised Sebastian and Darcy she’d give them her answer. And honest to God, she wasn’t looking forward to it. Of course, she hadn’t a clue as to how and when it had happened, but sometime last night, perhaps during her sleep, she had made a decision that would change her life forever. Or perhaps not, depending on how one viewed the outcome of her confession.

“That was a big sigh for so early in the morning, Sakura,” Jane said from across the room, as she brushed her blond hair... still wet from her shower. “What’s wrong?”

Straightening herself in bed, Sakura shook her head in the negative. “Nothing. I’m just feeling a bit off today. That’s all.”

In her bed, Akira rolled over onto her side. “That’s normal, especially after your hard work yesterday. But don’t worry. When today is over, you can relax and enjoy the vacation. We’re going over to St. Thomas Island tomorrow, so that will be fun.”

Although Sakura smiled and nodded in agreement, deep inside, she felt anything but at ease. She knew whatever the outcome of tonight’s confession, the result would determine how she felt the rest of the trip.

“You want to use the bathroom first?” Akira asked.

Sakura nodded.

When she was done with her shower and reappeared in the bedroom, she was wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a gray T-shirt.

Feeling a lot better, she said to Akira, “I’m done. You can use the bathroom now. Oh yeah, and the cold shower is nice in this heat.”

Akira nodded as she got out of bed, yawning at the same time. “I’m still sleepy.”

Sakura smiled with amusement. She assumed Akira wasn’t a morning person. Of course, it was still six a.m. “Has Jane left already?”

Akira nodded. “Work to do.”

Sakura wasn’t surprised. She knew Jane had a lot to do before everyone else arrived for the photo shoot.

“Okay, I’ll see you downstairs, then,” she said, as she headed toward the door.

“Yes, and make sure to tell the Princeton brothers to leave some breakfast for me,” Akira joked.

Sakura chuckled. “Will do.”

After shutting the door behind her, she instinctively scanned the hallway as her heart pounded in her chest. Today of all days, she didn’t want to see either Sebastian or Darcy so early in the morning, especially when she was going to confess to them and tell them her final decision.

Noting that all was clear, she dashed toward the stairs, her feet light and quick across the floor. Just as her pounding heart was calming down, she rounded the corner. Of course, her eyes were on the steps, and she didn’t see one of the Princeton brothers heading toward her.

“Sakura?” Hayden’s voice came her way.

Sakura raised her head, and because she wasn’t looking at where she was going, she walked right into the man.

Oof!

She missed a step and found herself falling forward.

Hayden reacted by swiftly grabbing her arm and pulling her to him before she had the chance to fall down the stairs.

In a second, Sakura found herself embraced in the man’s strong arms, her face buried against his massive chest.

She licked her lips as she raised her head. “Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

Hayden moved back a little, touched the small of her chin, and tilted her face toward his. With a dashing grin, he said, “You’re notorious for doing that, aren’t you? Lucky I’m around.”

“I guess so.” This was followed by a frown.

Hayden noticed her troubled face. “What’s on your mind?”

Sakura was surprised at his question. “Nothing.” She shook her head.

Hayden raised an eyebrow. “That was too quick of an answer for my liking. Give me another one.”

Sakura thought the man sounded rather demanding, which was very typical of a Princeton. She brushed away the hand holding her chin. “It really is nothing, Hayden. Well, at least nothing that concerns you.”

“You know,” he said, “you can always count on me to help relieve your troubles. After all, we’re family, aren’t we?”

His words made her heart ache with emotion, the kind she’d wanted to feel since she was a child.

Family. It was indeed true that they were family, since she was the Princeton brothers’ adopted sister. Well, ex-adopted sister to be precise, since she had changed her last name from Princeton to Tanaka.

She nodded. “Yes, we are family, aren’t we?”

“So?” he asked, his dark head cocked to one side as he studied her with interest. “What’s bothering you? Surely, it’s not about work.”

Sakura shook her head. “It’s not that. Rather, I’m quite happy that it’s the last day and everything. I’m looking forward to it being over.”

“Of course you are.”

She smiled. “Yes, of course. What about you?”

Hayden raised a brow and then shook his head as he chuckled. “Oh, no, you don’t. You’re not getting away with it that easily. Don’t change the subject, princess.”

Sakura raised a brow at him in return. “So, I’m a princess now, am I?”

“Like I said.” Hayden moved his face toward her until they were nose to nose. “Don’t just go cunningly changing the subject. I won’t fall for it. Now, what’s the problem? Won’t you at least confide in your brother Hayden?”

Your brother Hayden... Suddenly, Sakura felt emotions swelling up inside her, and tears started brewing in her eyes. He was referring to himself as her brother, and that made her happy. So happy, in fact, that she felt like crying. Damn!

And he was acting all brotherly and caring, too, which broke through the invisible, cold shield she’d put around herself since her childhood. Out of all the brothers, Hayden was the first to behave this way toward her, which pleasantly surprised her. Of course, Nicolas had shown some indication that he’d watch out for her as well, but not openly, as Hayden had.

Unexpectedly, she felt as though she might just break down and pour out her heart to the man. She wanted to tell him all about her feelings for his brothers Sebastian and Darcy, her final decision, and her dreaded confession coming tonight.

She was about to succumb to her desire in confiding in the man when they were interrupted.

“Hayden, what the hell are you doing?” Tristan was coming down the stairs.

Behind him, Logan said, “Why are you two in the middle of the stairs, blocking the way?”

Conrad was with them and came to a stop behind Sakura. He peeked at her face and noted her teary eyes. Instantly, he turned an accusing stare on Hayden. “Did you just make Sakura cry?”

Hayden frowned at his brothers. “No, I didn’t.”

Touching Sakura’s arm, Conrad asked, “Sakura, are you okay? Did Hayden do something to you?”

Sakura nodded, which made Hayden widen his eyes in shocked surprise. “What? But I don’t remember doing anything to you.”

Both Tristan and Logan glared at Hayden now, demanding an answer.

“Really, guys. It’s not like that.”

Conrad said, “You were forcing a kiss on Sakura, weren’t you? That’s why she’s upset.”

“Why, you cheeky bastard,” Tristan said.

Logan shook his head in disappointment.

“What?” Sebastian’s voice came from the landing above them. “Is this true, Hayden?”

Hayden rolled his eyes. “You guys are blowing things out of proportion.”

Standing beside Sebastian, Darcy said, “Then why is Sakura upset?”

Both Tristan and Logan nodded.

Shit! Sakura thought. She was hoping not to see either Sebastian or Darcy so early in the morning. But of course, here they were at the top of the stairs, looking all too fresh and handsome for her liking.

Avoiding any eye contact with the two men, she said, “Guys, please stop it. It’s nothing like that. And I wasn’t crying.” She changed the subject. “Let’s go for breakfast. I’m hungry. We have a long day at work today.”

Conrad wasn’t listening to her. “But I saw tears. Are you sure Hayden wasn’t trying to kiss you? You don’t have to lie to protect him, Sakura. Just tell us the truth.”

“We can’t let Hayden off the hook until we know what’s going on,” Logan said adamantly.

Sakura sighed. It appeared she had no choice; otherwise, they’d be here all morning.

“It’s because Hayden said he’s my brother and I can rely on him to help with my troubles.” She admitted. “It makes me happy.”

That had all the brothers stare at her with blank expressions, including Hayden.

“You’re happy just because Hayden said he’s your brother?” Tristan asked.

“And you can rely on him to help with your troubles?” Logan asked.

Sakura nodded.

Conrad chuckled. “Is that all? But you already know that. We’re your brothers, so you can always rely on us.”

Sakura couldn’t help but smile at Conrad. God, he was so sincere.

Suddenly, tears were coursing down her cheeks, and Conrad panicked. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

Tristan said, “You can rely on all of us, Sakura. We’re family.”

Sakura nodded. “I know that now.”

Above them, both Sebastian and Darcy were smiling.

Sakura noted them looking at her and blushed profusely. God, she couldn’t believe she was crying in front of them because of something so insignificant. Well, insignificant to them, but not to her.

She cleared her throat and said, “Shall we go down for breakfast?”

The brothers nodded.

---

It was an hour and a half later when Sakura, the Princeton brothers, and the Suzuki siblings arrived at work. Today, instead of the hotel, the crew was based in a large, two-story bungalow near the beach. Jane met them at the door, and after briefing them on the schedule for the day, she directed them to the male and female makeup rooms, which were downstairs, and upstairs, respectively.

Tristan said, “Looks like there won’t be any pests sneaking upstairs for a bite of the forbidden apple today.”

This was followed by a merry chuckle from everyone, except Sakura, who was blushing, and Sebastian and Darcy, who were frowning.

As they climbed the stairs, Akira happened to glance down and chuckled with amusement. “Don’t look down now. What you see might scare you.”

Sakura was confused. “What?”

Because she was curious as to what her friend meant, she did indeed look down as they were about to reach the landing. What she saw made her blush. The brothers were watching them, and she wondered why. Logan even waved at her.

“What are they doing?” she muttered to herself.

Akira said, “They seem awfully attached to you today, Sakura. In the van, they seemed particularly attentive. I wonder what’s going on.”

As they headed toward the bedroom that temporarily served as the ladies’ makeup room, Sakura thought she knew exactly what was going on. It probably had something to do with them telling her she could rely on them as her adopted brothers. Of course, their very attentive attitudes pleased her.

So, one of her childhood wishes had eventually come true after all, her yearning to truly become a part of the Princeton family, to have brothers who loved her unconditionally, whom she could rely on in times of need.

She smiled as she and Akira entered the room.

“You seem awfully happy today, Sakura,” Kay said with a chuckle. “Did something good happen?”

Sakura shook her head. “No, it’s nothing. And good morning, Kay.” She turned to the other three. “Jenny. Lena. Keri.”

The women returned the greeting. “Morning, Sakura. Akira.”

Akira waved. “Morning, all.”

Sakura took a seat as she eyed the two empty chairs across the room. Kay noticed and said, “Tara and Alaina aren’t here yet.”

Lena said, “I bet Tara was probably out drinking late last night and has a huge hangover right now.”

Talking about Tara and Alaina made Sakura wonder again what kind of friendship those two currently had. Were they even friends at all? Especially after what she had witnessed yesterday.

Sakura already had her makeup and hair done by the time Alaina walked through the door. As the woman silently came to sit down, Sakura couldn’t help but notice the girl’s puffy eyes.

Has she been crying?

“Wardrobe time,” Jane announced, some twenty minutes later.

Kay said, “We’re done with Sakura. You can have her.”

“And where’s Tara, Jane? She’s two hours late,” Lena said.

“She just phoned that she’ll be here soon.” Jane rolled her eyes. “Typical of her to be this late.” Turning her attention to Sakura, she said, “You’re first. Let’s go.”

Sakura nodded and rushed over to Jane.

Some fifteen minutes later, in another bedroom that served as the wardrobe room, Sakura stared at herself in the mirror, her eyes wide in surprise.

“Wow!” Jane uttered in delight. “You look beautiful, Sakura. That swimsuit really suits you.”

Sakura nodded. She had to admit that the swimsuit—perfectly form fitting, black and red, with various crystals and beads carefully sewn onto the fabric—suited her. She assumed the design was inspired by the 1950s, with the sweetheart top and string tied into a bow at the back of her neck. Not to mention the piece was less showy than the lingerie she’d worn yesterday, which pleased her.

With her long hair French braided and stylishly decorated with small Hawaiian frangipani flowers, the dangling earrings on her ears, necklace around her neck, and bangles around her wrists, she looked stunning. Very stylish and beachy indeed.

“Shall we go?” Jane asked.

Sakura nodded in the affirmative, and after Jane helped her wrap a thin silky robe around her, they headed out the door.

“Wow!” Sakura said as they came outside. “It’s hot today, isn’t it?” She shielded her eyes against the sunlight.

Jane nodded. “It is. I’d better make sure there’s enough water for everyone.”

Sakura agreed. “Don’t want anyone to get dehydrated, do we?” She chuckled.

Even wearing the wedge sandals, Sakura could still feel the hot sand brushing against her feet as she made her way toward the shooting location, which was currently on the edge of the beach, below the sea cliff. Once she was close, she noted the hyper activity.

Mr. Tachibana was busy talking to Nicolas and Sosuke, no doubt giving them instructions on the poses he wanted. Sakura noted that both Nicolas and Sosuke wore casual beach wear of pale pants, flimsy shirts left open in the front to show off the men’s hot bodies, and of course, summer fedoras. Meanwhile, Miss Ruka was directing the staff on where things should go, and Jason was talking to the other Princeton brothers.

Conrad waved the moment he saw them. “Sakura.”

Sakura waved back. “Hey.”

Mr. Tachibana turned at the sound of her voice and called out, “Over here, Sakura.”

She and Jane headed over to him as the brothers watched.

“Are you ready?” Mr. Tachibana asked.

Ignoring the brothers’ gazes, Sakura nodded. The designer briefed her on what he wanted in the photo shoot. Soon, the work began, and Sakura found herself standing between Nicolas and Sosuke. With his camera, Jason stood before her, and the sea and blue sky served as the backdrop.

“Put your hands around Nicolas’s shoulders, Sakura,” Mr. Tachibana instructed.

Sakura did as she was directed and then raised her face just a little toward the sunlight.

Click, click, click.

God, it was hot today, and it was only nine in the morning. Sakura eyed Sebastian and Darcy, who were watching them from the distance, and instantly, her stomach flipped. The sight of them reminded her of her tasked confession coming that night, which made her nervous all over again.

Nicolas, seeing her worried expression, asked, “You okay?”

Sakura flicked her eyes to the eldest Princeton brother and brushed aside his concern. “I’m fine.”

“Now turn around and put your arms around Sosuke,” Mr. Tachibana said.

Sakura turned and moved toward Sosuke, who gave her a handsome smile and put one hand around her waist. “You look beautiful, Sakura.”

She returned a smile as she said, “Thanks.”

Click, click, click.

The photo shoot continued for another half hour, and all the while, Sakura felt so hot she thought she might faint if she didn’t get a drink of water soon.

Once Jason said, “Done,” she sighed in relief.

Jane rushed over and handed her a bottle of water.

“Thanks, Jane. You’re a godsend.”

“No worries,” Jane said, chuckling.

Sakura took a hearty drink, then smiled in satisfaction.

“Look. Akira is here,” Jane said.

Sakura watched as Akira emerged and rushed over to where Mr. Tachibana stood waiting, along with Nicolas and Sosuke, who were her co-models for this session.

Jane said, “No time to waste, Sakura. You need to change for your next one.”

Sakura nodded as she noted that Tristan and Logan were heading toward the bungalow as well. She assumed they were going to get changed for their next session, which was with her in the subsequent hour.

Her shoot with Tristan and Logan went smoothly, the trio posing so perfectly per Mr. Tachibana’s instructions that the man was extremely pleased and couldn’t stop grinning. Sakura, on the other hand, was so concentrated on what she was doing, posing and determined to make the photos come out good, that she wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings. Apart from the crew, the Princeton brothers and some of the hotel staff watching them, there were now other people as well—tourists, holiday makers, and beach goers who happened to stop by and were simply enjoying the show.

When Sakura finally noticed, she blushed profusely. Suddenly, there she was in the middle of so much attention, wearing a sexy bikini that showed off her slender body, with her long hair braided with decorations of frangipani flowers. Not to mention two hot men were on either side of her, holding her intimately.

Click, click, click, the camera went, and Sakura tried not to pay attention to the crowd.

Sebastian said, “It’s getting too crowded.”

“Where did they all come from?” Darcy asked no one in particular, his eyes scanning the beach and the people around them.

Nicolas said, “Like moths to a flame.”

“It’s just a photo shoot,” Conrad said. “What do they find so interesting?”

“What do you find about this photo shoot that’s interesting, Conrad? Why are you watching?” Hayden asked.

Conrad replied without batting an eye. “Sakura.”

“Correct,” Hayden said. “Sakura.”

Hayden’s meaning dawned on him, and Conrad frowned. A moment later, the brothers watched as Conrad went to talk to one of the crew. When he returned, he smiled. “That should do it.”

It wasn’t long before the staff began talking to the spectators, and a few moments later, they started leaving.

Sebastian chuckled. “Good one, Conrad.”

He nodded. “Thanks.”

Sakura relaxed once she noticed the crowd dissipating, and soon, Jason said, “That’s it. Well done, guys.”

“That went far too quickly,” Logan said.

Sakura thought Logan must have been enjoying working as a model. He’d said the same thing yesterday, if she remembered rightly.

“Agreed,” Tristan said. Then he turned his attention to Sakura. “And what about you? Do you find that it goes far too quickly for you as well, princess darling?”

Sakura shook her head. “The crowd frightened me a bit.” She admitted. “But I felt better when they left.”

“Ah,” Tristan said, “that was Conrad’s doing.”

Logan nodded. “I saw him talking to the staff.”

Sakura saw it, too, and thought maybe she should thank him for it.

She was just walking toward the man when she felt a cold shiver pass through her body. She frowned, thoughtful. Why did she suddenly feel cold when they were at the beach, with the heat of the sun beating down on them?

Curiously, she scanned her surroundings. Of course, there was nothing out of the ordinary, but...

“What’s the matter?” Sebastian asked, which surprised her. She didn’t know he was near her, along with Darcy and Conrad.

Sakura turned her attention to Sebastian and said, “Err... Nothing.” She was glancing into the distance again, curious as to why she felt she was being watched.

Darcy noticed her frightened expression and said, “Let’s get you inside.”

---

“Alaina phoned me last night,” Darcy said at large to his brothers. They were currently in the living room of the bungalow that temporarily served as the men’s makeup room. Nicolas, Conrad, and Hayden were sitting on the sofas, while Sebastian rested in an armchair. Meanwhile, Tristan and Logan were standing, as was Darcy, who was leaning against the wall.

“And?” Hayden asked.

“She didn’t sound great.” Darcy admitted. “She was frightened.”

Conrad asked, “Alaina? Frightened? Of what?”

Darcy folded his arms across his chest as a frown appeared on his face, remembering the quivering, nervous voice that belonged to his twin sister.

“She told me she thinks Sakura is in danger.”

Nicolas raised a brow. “We all know Sakura is in danger. That’s why we’re taking precautions. And since when did Alaina care about Sakura?”

Darcy thought for a moment and then decided to explain everything to his brothers. “Mom and Dad have been in contact with Alaina. They asked me for help.”

Tristan asked, “Help? How?”

“Believe it or not, Alaina came to me a few days after Mr. Tachibana’s fashion show at our hotel in New York.” Darcy paused. “I guess she couldn’t cut me out because we’re twins.”

Logan nodded in understanding. “Same here. I wouldn’t be able to cut out either Tristan or Sebastian, since we’re triplets.” He chuckled. “In fact, I don’t think I could ever cut any of my family out.”

The brothers nodded in agreement at that. They were family, after all. None of them had ever thought of cutting anyone out, no matter the circumstances.

Nicolas said, “So, Alaina came to you and apologized?”

“In a way,” Darcy said. “We talked, and eventually we came to an understanding. Anyway, back to Mom and Dad. They’ve reconciled with Alaina. Although, there was a bit of an argument a few days ago between Dad and Alaina, when we arrived in Hawaii. He wanted her to join the family at the holiday house, but Alaina refused, and well, you know.”

Hayden asked, “When did this happen? How come we didn’t know anything about it? The reconciliation between Mom and Dad with Alaina, I mean.”

Darcy said, “It was a few weeks back. Alaina asked them not to tell. She wanted time. Sakura is her biggest obstacle, and she knows if she can’t accept Sakura, you guys won’t accept her, especially after what she did a year ago on St. Joseph Island.”

The rest of the brothers nodded in agreement. How could they forget that their sister had joined forces with Tara and Kate in trying to murder Sakura?

Conrad said, “So, back to last night and Alaina calling you...”

Darcy nodded. “Like I said, she told me she thinks Sakura is in danger, though she didn’t specifically tell me what it’s about. I’m assuming she’s found out about Tara’s mother and Tara’s background and motive, the real one, which is the reason she and Tara are no longer friends.”

Hayden nodded. “Yes, I heard they aren’t on speaking terms.”

Darcy nodded. “I’m also assuming Alaina must have realized Tara’s mother, Mrs. Clark, would likely do anything to get rid of Sakura, considering the woman’s background. And after I saw Sakura’s frightened face at the beach this morning, my gut instincts told me something’s off.”

Sebastian nodded. “I’ve seen her look like that before, back in New York. It was the day I took her to see Dave for a health checkup. She looked as though she’d seen a ghost.”

Nicolas continued. “And that night she ran to Dad at the hotel.”

Conrad carried on. “When we found her there, she had nightmares.”

Hayden said, “That could only mean one thing. She saw someone she didn’t want to see.”

Conrad asked, “Did she happen to see Mrs. Clark or something? Maybe we should ask her?”

Nicolas shook his head. “I doubt she saw the woman. I think it’s more like she has the feeling she’s being watched or something. I noticed her searching the beach as if she were looking for someone, but didn’t know who.”

Sebastian nodded. “I agree.”

Darcy said, “We’ll have to be more careful from now on.”

“I was talking to Dad this morning before breakfast.” With his brothers listening attentively, Nicolas continued. “Mrs. Clark has fled New York, and as of now, there’s no information on her whereabouts.”

“Why the hell did she leave New York?” Hayden asked.

“Because Dad’s investigator got to her,” Nicolas said. “The team dug up a whole lot of shit about her background. Shit you guys wouldn’t believe.”

“Like?” Sebastian asked.

Nicolas shook his head. “This isn’t the place to talk about something like that. We’ll have a meeting tonight with Dad.”

Darcy said, “For now, let’s just watch over Sakura carefully in case something happens.”

Once again, the brothers agreed.

It was then that Akira’s voice could be heard from across the hallway. “Princeton brothers, lunch is here.”

Tristan called out in response, “We’re coming.”

Some moments later, the brothers came to the back garden where an array of food was on offer. Today, instead of going up to the hotel to eat, they had catering, which was easier for the crew. Of course, neither Alaina nor Tara were joining them.

Sakura was munching on a club sandwich when Logan appeared beside her. “I shall be your bodyguard during lunchtime. How’s that sound?”

Sakura chuckled. She thought he was teasing her, of course, and replied playfully, “Thanks, Logan. That sounds wonderful.”

The man beamed with delight as they went about putting food onto their plates.

Across the way, Sebastian said, “Sakura seems less fidgety.”

Darcy nodded. “She’s surrounded with family and friends. She feels safe and relaxed.”

Once lunch was over, it was photo sessions again, and the first one featured Sakura and Akira with Hayden and Conrad. Wearing a chic bikini with a transparent lace cover-up, Sakura looked sexy and stunning. Akira wore a one-piece swimsuit that enhanced her slender figure to perfection. Meanwhile, Hayden wore a pair of shorts without a shirt, showing off his hot, muscular body, and Conrad was in shorts with a blue shirt, the buttons undone halfway. Both men also donned summer fedoras. The four models posed on the rocky shore as Jason continuously snapped their photos.

Finally, Jason said, “Excellent, guys. You four are pros.”

Hayden and Conrad high-fived in glee at the compliment, while both Sakura and Akira giggled at seeing how pleased the two men were.

“Wow, it’s hot,” Sakura said, as she gladly came under the shade of the umbrellas.

After Sakura enjoyed some cool spring water, Jane said, “You need to go and change for your next shoot, Sakura. Kay is waiting for you at the bungalow.”

Sakura nodded. She was just about to head off when Hayden asked, “Where are you going?”

“To get changed.”

“Then I’ll go with you.”

Sakura shook her head. “It’s fine. It’s not far. Besides, you have your next photo shoot with Tara and Alaina. Conrad, too. Look, they’re waiting.”

Hayden frowned. “Where’s Sebastian and Darcy?”

Jane answered, “Getting ready for their next session. And Nicolas is at the hotel. Apparently, there’s some sort of business emergency. And Tristan and Logan are with Sosuke. Miss Ruka is briefing them on their next shoot, which is straight after yours.”

Hayden sighed in frustration.

Upon seeing how worried he was, with no apparent reason, Sakura couldn’t help but chuckle. “It’s fine, Hayden.” With that, she turned on her heel and headed in the direction of the bungalow.

Hayden was about to go after her when Mr. Tachibana called to him, “Hayden, we’re starting now.”

Hayden reluctantly turned and headed back toward Mr. Tachibana. The bungalow wasn’t far, he told himself, so Sakura should be fine by herself for a little while. It was only a short walk, after all.

As she made her way back to the bungalow, Sakura wondered what made the Princeton brothers so protective of her suddenly, especially right after lunch. Sure, they had been rather attentive this morning, as Akira had mentioned, but to be so on guard? What’s going on?

She was walking through a series of native Hawaiian bushes now, which felt a lot cooler and more peaceful compared to the extremely hot beach. She sighed pleasantly as she rounded a corner, feeling the light, cool breeze dancing about her skin. She was about to step out into the clearing when a man called out to her.

“Hello, there. We meet again.”

Sakura spun so fast she felt dizzy. Her heart was racing as she came face to face with the man she’d met a few days ago, along the beach.

The moment she recognized him, she instinctively took a step back. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

“So, you’re a model,” Ray said, his blue eyes appraising her from head to toe.

Sakura felt uncomfortable under his intense gaze. “How did you know?”

He took a step closer as he said, “I was watching. You looked beautiful this morning, too.”

That was when Sakura realized why she had felt as though someone were watching her. Indeed, this man had been.

“Are you stalking me?” she asked bluntly.

Ray cocked his head to one side, an amused smile playing across his lips. “Not stalking, more like interested.”

Sakura narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

“Because you’re a beautiful woman, and what man doesn’t want to get to know a beautiful woman like you? So, do you have a boyfriend?”

Ignoring his very direct question, Sakura turned and started walking away. Ray wouldn’t have that, however, and swiftly grabbed her hand, his grasp tight around her wrist.

Sakura jumped. “What the...” She pulled back. “Let me go!”

His response was to tighten his hold around her wrist as he smiled darkly. “I was asking if you have a boyfriend. You haven’t answered me yet.”

The way his eyes observed her and the way he smiled sent a chill down her spine. Just as the other day, this man made her uncomfortable. Suddenly, she felt she was trapped.

Wanting to gain the upper hand, she glared at him and said, “I don’t have to answer you.” She struggled to free her wrist. “Now, let my hand go,” she demanded.

“Feisty,” Ray said with a chuckle. Rather than do as she requested, he roughly pulled her to him, which made Sakura gasp out in shock.

Her body shivering with trepidation, and she demanded again, loudly this time, “I asked you to let me go!”

“Sorry, but it appears I can’t help myself after all,” Ray said, as he leaned his head toward her.

Sakura panicked and was about to scream when she felt the man being pulled away from her. She watched, her eyes wide, as a fist smashed into Ray’s face, sending the man toppling to the ground.

Sakura took the opportunity and freed her hand from Ray’s clutch as he fell. When she managed to calm down and looked properly at her savior, she saw it was Darcy, who was currently staring darkly at the beaten Ray.

Her heart racing, Sakura rushed over to Darcy, who eagerly took her into his arms.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his hand cupping her face.

Sakura mutely nodded, her body still shivering from the unwelcome experience.

It was then Sebastian appeared. Once the man saw the shaken Sakura in Darcy’s arms and Ray on the ground, he frowned darkly, his eyes sharply directed at Ray.

“I heard Sakura’s voice,” he said coldly. “What the hell happened?”

Ray stood then and backed off. “Hey, I thought she was free, all right. I mean, she’s hot, and I just wanted to get to know her. No harm done, right?”

Sebastian said, “Well, she’s not free. She’s ours. And who the hell are you anyway?”

Ray shrugged. “No one. Just a tourist.”

Darcy asked, “What’s your name? Are you a guest here?”

Ray chuckled. “There’s no need for names.” Turning to Sakura, he said, “I’m sorry I bothered you.” With that, he turned on his heel and headed toward the beach, his pace quick. It was as if he were running away from the devil, but he did his best not to show it.

Once he was out of sight, Sakura breathed a sigh of relief, her body relaxing.

Sebastian asked, “Are you all right?”

Sakura turned her attention to him and then nodded. “I’m fine. He surprised me. That’s all.”

And he tried to kiss me and maybe do so much more, right here in broad daylight, she thought. The nerve of that man.

“I knew this was a bad idea,” Sebastian said darkly.

Sakura was curious. “What’s a bad idea?”

“Having our photo shoot outside on the beach,” he said. “There’re too many men around.”

Moving out of Darcy’s arms, Sakura said, “Well, it can’t be helped that there’re too many people around. It is a hotel and resort, after all. Also, it’s what Mr. Tachibana wants in the magazine, the scenery of the beach and everything.”

Darcy said, “Never mind about that. We’ll just have to be more careful. Besides, it’s nearly finished.”

Sakura nodded. “Only two more shoots to go.”

Darcy asked, “Are you going to change?”

Sakura nodded. “Hmm.”

“We’ll come with you,” Sebastian stated, with a firm expression on his face, demanding no disagreement.

Sakura shook her head. “No, there’s no need.”

Darcy said, “But we insist.”

Sakura thought for a moment. “Okay.”

The two men followed her back to the bungalow and even stood waiting outside like a pair of bodyguards while she changed into her next bikini. Once she was done, she came out to find them talking. When they noticed her presence, they stopped immediately, which made her suspicious.

As they headed back out, she asked, “What were you two talking about?”

“Just business,” Sebastian said evasively.

Because Darcy nodded in agreement, Sakura decided not to press them.

As they were heading back toward the beach, Sakura was deep in her own thoughts. Of course, both Sebastian and Darcy noticed, especially her furrowed brow and troubled expression. Though the two men didn’t voice it, they were more than a little worried.

When they were about to reach their destination, she said abruptly, surprising them, “Darcy? Sebastian?”

The two men answered in unison, ready to hear what was troubling her. “Yes?”

Sakura licked her lower lip as she played with the tendrils of her long hair. Then she tucked some strands behind her ear as she continued. “Can you two meet me along the beach near the holiday house tonight at eight?”

Sebastian didn’t miss the quivering of her voice and wondered what she was so worried about. “Sure.”

Darcy nodded. “Okay.”

Once she’d gotten their answers, Sakura said, “Thanks.” Then she hastily rushed ahead of them, her body tense. She couldn’t believe they didn’t ask her what it was about. But of course, she assumed they knew.

Some half an hour later, Sakura was having her photo shoot with Sebastian and Darcy. Their location was on the seashore itself, and Sakura found herself knee deep in the too-warm water of the ocean. Sebastian and Darcy, both in pastel beach pants and open shirts, were directed to stand intimately close to her. Sebastian was on her left, his hand holding her waist, and Darcy on her right, his face resting on her slender shoulder. As for Sakura, now that she was used to being a model, she found the session didn’t take long at all.

Jason said, “That’s it. Well done, guys.”

Then the final group photo shoot took place after that, and by five that afternoon, it was a wrap. Loud, cheerful applause ensued, along with Mr. Tachibana’s laughter. Apparently, he was pleased that the work turned out so well and couldn’t stop praising and thanking everyone for their hard work.

By the time they returned to the holiday house that evening, Sakura had forgotten all about the incident with Ray. Instead, her mind was now fully occupied with Sebastian and Darcy and her dreaded confession that was to come that night.