The tide rolled low, soft foam curling around her toes as Simran emerged from the rocks, the last blush of the sun gilding her skin. The beach had emptied, the others wandering farther along the shore, leaving the two of them alone with the waves and wind.
Simran's hair caught the breeze, loose waves tumbling over her shoulders, and her bikini glimmered faintly in the dying light. The top held her curves just right, full and tempting without looking like she was trying. Her waist dipped inward, then flared into hips that seemed made for the fabric to cling to, while the bottoms traced the line of her thighs and hips delicately. She moved with a natural ease, unaware of the effect she had on him, and maybe that was the most dangerous part.
Junaid froze mid-step. His chest tightened. Heat pooled low in his stomach as his eyes traced the curve of her body, and he knew he shouldn't be staring—but he couldn't look away. The way the light kissed her skin, the way her hair fell over one shoulder… it was like she'd been carved out of the sun itself.
"Junaid?" Her voice, soft and melodic, cut through the roar of the waves. She tilted her head, catching him staring. There was a playful lilt in her tone, but the heat in her cheeks betrayed her awareness.
He swallowed hard, clearing his throat. "You… uh… look—" He broke off. Words failed him. Every rational thought fled as his gaze lingered on the swell of her chest and the curve of her hips. He wanted to look away, but his feet stayed rooted in the sand.
She laughed lightly, a soft, teasing sound. "Like what?"
"Like… dangerous," he muttered, voice low, hoarse. The word felt inadequate. It didn't capture the ache coiling through him, the way every part of him wanted to pull her close and never let go.
Simran took a step closer, the sand giving slightly under her weight. The sun had dipped lower, leaving a strip of fire along the horizon, and for a heartbeat, the world seemed suspended in that golden glow. Her eyes flicked to his, mischievous and bold, and the air between them thickened, humming with unspoken promises.
"You're staring," she said softly, almost accusingly, but there was no anger in her voice—just a delicate tease that made him groan inwardly.
"I can't help it," he admitted, stepping closer. His hand twitched, almost reaching for her, unsure if she'd recoil or lean into it.
Simran's lips curved into that smile he'd memorized without meaning to. "Then fix it."
Her challenge hit him like a wave. Without thinking, he closed the distance. One hand went to her waist, holding her close, careful but possessive. His thumb traced the curve of her hip beneath the thin fabric, and she shivered at the contact, breath catching in her throat.
He leaned down, his lips hovering over hers for a heartbeat that stretched too long. She tasted of salt and sun, of mischief and warmth, and it undid him. The kiss, when it finally came, was slow, consuming, deliberate. His mouth molded to hers, lips pressing and seeking, hands anchoring her to him, and all at once the restraint he'd been holding shattered.
Simran's hands found his chest, clutching at him, testing, exploring. The world outside—waves, wind, sand—faded until there was only him and her, the tide and the heat between them. Her body pressed against him, curves against the strength of his chest, and the brush of fabric and skin sent sparks through him like wildfire.
He pulled back just slightly, forehead resting against hers, breath ragged. "Do you even know what you're doing to me?" he whispered.
Her own breath came in shallow pants, lips still tingling from his. "I think I might," she admitted, her eyes glinting. "But maybe I don't care."
The sunset bled into night, leaving only the sound of waves and the hum of unspoken tension. Junaid's hand tightened slightly on her waist, his other brushing hair from her face. She leaned into the touch, almost daring him, and the heat between them promised that this night was only the beginning.
She stepped back just enough to grin at him, dangerous and unrepentant. "Your turn to ruin my peace now."
Junaid's chest heaved, jaw clenched, and he smiled darkly. "Oh, sunshine… that's not even close."