Page 15 of Sweet Poison

I’m greeted by the sea breeze and the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore. The view from all the way here is breathtaking, but it’s almost completely obscured by the sight directly below me. The outdoor area looks like it’s been transformed into a North Pole without snow and Santa’s workshop.

There are strings of twinkling lights hanging from every palm tree in sight. Inflatable snowmen—who have no business being in a tropical setting—are dotted around the green areas. Then there’s the pool area, which is decorated with faux snow, inflatable gingerbread cookies and oversized candy canes. The lounge chairs are draped in red and white, and a makeshift stage in one corner hosts a group of carolers dressed in mismatched colorful polo shirts and Santa hats.

I lean against the railing, taking in the scene below. It’s like someone took everything I hate about the damn holiday and decided to throw it all together in a beachside blender. The corniness is almost too much to bear.

“This is fucking ridiculous,” I mutter, shaking my head. “Again, what was I thinking asking for this shit?” It’s my fault really. I must’ve lost my mind when I told my team who ran all my hotels around the world to go all out for Christmas.

It made her smile. The damn holiday that hurt like a bitch to me, always put a smile on her face.I ignore the obnoxious voice inside my head dead set on torturing me with thoughts of the sweet ghost from my past.

And as I watch the happy guests below mingling and snapping photos amidst the decorations, I can’t help but feel a bit of irritation dissolve into reluctant amusement. Whowould’ve thought I would end up in the middle of all this Christmas madness? I sure wouldn’t have.

December is just another month like any other for me. There’s nothing special about it. Not the decorations or the festivities. Certainly not the people who seemed to look happier and act kinder when they spent the rest of the year being insufferable assholes.

It’s all fake.

Yeah, there’s nothing special or magical about December. At least not for me.

Lincoln clears his throat from behind me, pulling me from my thoughts. “Tacky Christmas decorations aside, boss. This is one beautiful place you have here.”

Pride takes over me at his words as my gaze lingers at the grounds below.

“Yeah….” I look around all I’ve built for myself. “It is.”

He nods, his lips twitching into a rare smile. “I’ll be down at the bar. If you need to go somewhere, call me, yeah?”

I nod and listen as he heads back inside the suite.

I stay rooted in place, now looking at the horizon, enjoying the peace this place always gives me specially during this shitty season. Then with one last glance at the over-the-top Christmas display below, I head back inside with a heavy feeling in my chest.

A feeling as if something waited for me out there.

I just didn’t know what and quite frankly I couldn’t care less.

Nothing ever lasted.

No one ever stayed.

Chapter

Five

BABY IT’S HOT OUTSIDE

Willow

“I still see you every time I close my eyes.” — W

Our car pulls to a stop outsidePousada Céu Azul resort, and my eyes instantly widen to the size of saucers as I take in the sight before me.

How…beautiful.

As soon as I step out of the car, the warm breeze envelopes me, carrying the scent of salt and blooms.

I’m left speechless as I take in the resort’s facade, which is a stunning blend of modern glass and stone. On each side of the entrance palm trees with Christmas lights on them sway gently. Vibrant Cattleya orchids spill from pots, a riot of colors that makes my heart flutter. I can also hear the distant sound of the guest’s laughter mingling with the soft crash of waves in the distance.

Tropical paradise it’s all I can think of as I take in all the beauty around me.

Seriously… is this place even real?

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