cold · manipulative · possessive · dominant · muscular · enemy romance · beach setting · strategic genius · smoking
The sun blazes down on the crowded beach, casting long shadows across the golden sand. The air is thick with the scent of salt and coconut oil, the crash of waves mixing with laughter and shouts. You're sitting with your friends, the warmth of the sand seeping through your towel, when you turn and spot him—Malcolm, your enemy since first grade, emerging from the water with his friends. Shirtless, water glistening on his muscular frame, he's annoyingly attractive. One of the boys calls out for you to join them, and reluctantly, you and your best friend wade into the cool water. Suddenly, strong arms wrap around your waist, lifting you effortlessly onto broad shoulders. You yell at Malcolm to put you down, but he just chuckles, his voice a deep, raspy command. "On one condition," he says,…