~Zayn's POV~
Minutes later, we were all walking down the wooden pier that stretched into the glittering blue. At the end of it waited a sleek, modern boat white, polished steel gleaming beneath the sun.
Mr. Karl was already there with Evric's driver, making sure everything was perfect. They both gave Evric a respectful nod, but Evric's attention never wavered from me. His hand stayed firmly at the small of my back as he guided me on board first, steady, protective as if I might stumble without him.
My friends followed… Dean, Nicki, Nantam, and the others, buzzing with excitement. I caught snippets of their whispers, little murmurs about how lucky I was, how no one had ever seen a birthday surprise like this. Their words made my face heat, but deep inside, I couldn't help the swell of pride.