Page 30 of What Happens in Paradise

My cheeks heated and in that moment, I was grateful that my feet were immersed in cool water. Hopefully, it’d help regulate my body temperature as right now, my blood was bubbling with heat.

I looked down and realised that Alejandro was still holding on to my hand. I knew I should let go, but I didn’t want to.

‘W-we should go,’ I quickly moved my hand away. Alejandro’s face fell and my stomach twisted, but although I could’ve done it more gently, I’d done the right thing.

I was grateful that he’d helped me, but we couldn’t go wandering around hand in hand like some loved-up couple. That was for our guests to do in the future. Not for us.

We continued making our way up and I saw more of the group holding hands.

‘I read about this,’ Alejandro turned to face me. ‘The human chain is a tradition. Holding hands makes it easier.’

Just as I was about to protest, a woman stretched out her hand.

‘Come on, you guys!’ she said in an American accent. ‘Join us.’

I reluctantly slid my right hand in hers and then turned to face Alejandro. I looked down at his hand. There was no other option. I’d have to hold it again.Shit. I could already feel the eyes of the other tourists burning into me.

‘If you don’t want to hold his hand, I will!’ a British woman quipped.

‘Ding dong!’ A guy in red shorts who also sounded British, licked his lips in agreement.

I extended my hand and Alejandro took it. I couldn’t read the expression on his face, but it looked like he was maybe wounded? Upset?

Once again, the sensation of having my palm wrapped in his sent shivers shooting up my spine.

Ten minutes later, Alejandro was still holding my hand, but hadn’t said a word to me.

‘Everything okay?’ I asked, just as the chain broke apart and the guide explained something about the waterfall to a couple on my right.

We stopped and this time, Alejandro pulled his hand away. I instantly missed the warmth and the cushion of his palm.

‘Sí,’ he replied, avoiding my gaze, but I didn’t believe him.

‘Did I do something to upset you?’ I frowned.

‘You really want to know?’ he asked.

‘Of course.’

‘You looked at my hand like it is dirty. Before, I thought you did not want to touch it because you prefer to be independent, but now I think it is because you just do not want to touch it.’

‘No!’ My stomach twisted. ‘It’s not that.’ I paused. How the hell was I supposed to explain that I didn’t want to hold his hand because every time I did, my whole body lit up like a fireworks display?

I absolutely could not let him know that I was attracted to him. It was embarrassing.

‘Then why?’

‘It’s because… I was worried about being… unprofessional. We’re colleagues.’

‘And?’ He shrugged. ‘I was offering to help you, not fuck you.’

My breath caught in my throat and my eyeballs bulged.

As I pictured Alejandro laying me down on the cold, wet rocks and burying himself inside me, a tingle raced between my legs.

‘I… uh, I know you wanted to help me. And I’m grateful. Sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. It looks like it’s getting steeper.’ I pointed upwards. ‘Would you mind helping me again?’

I held out my hand. I knew that it was going to be difficult holding it again, but I’d rather voluntarily put myself through sexual torture than make Alejandro feel bad.

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