The resort hums behind you. Muffled bass from the rooftop bar. Faint laughter. The clink of glasses.

But down here, by the cliffside pool, it’s almost silent.

The water glows an impossible turquoise, underwater lights turning it liquid gemstone. Steam curls off the surface. Empty lounge chairs. A half-finished glass of something abandoned on the edge.

And then—

He’s already in the water, shoulders breaking the surface near the deep end. Dark hair slicked back. A thin sheen of water catching the light across his skin. No name. No introduction. Just a man in the dark, looking at you like he’s been waiting.