Rian woke first, looking over at Rafi. Somehow the man managed to look both childlike and sexy in repose. Rian smiled wistfully and turned to look at the ceiling. She was already in too deep with him. There would obviously be no more recouplings. At least she could cut anything short before feelings really took hold before. The sinking feeling in her chest told her that this was going to hurt much more.

“Hey, beautiful,” Rafi said, reaching to turn her head toward him. Pulled from her thoughts, she smiled at him as he gently pressed his lips to hers. “I don’t know why you had such a sad expression on your face. But I’m here if you want to talk about it.”

Rian gently kissed him back. “I’m fine.”

“Okay, but the offer still stands,” He said, looking at her dubiously.

They snuggled together for a few more moments until Rafi’s stomach growled. “I think that’s a sign.” Rian teased as she got up and headed to the dressing room.

Rafi was waiting when Rian left the dressing room. “Shall we?” He held out his arm. Rian smiled and took his arm. When they got to the kitchen, the other islanders were eating. Camilo had made breakfast, and everyone was already tucking in. Seb and Viv shifted their chairs to make room for them.

“Good morning!” Viv said cheerily.

“Morning, Viv,” Rian said, smiling.

The cheerful morning chatter was friendly after the drama of the previous night. Once breakfast had been eaten, Nicky stood up and clapped his hands. “I’d like to have everyone’s attention, please.” Elladine stood up and put a gentle hand on Nicky’s shoulder.

“I love how supportive you’ve been of Elladine and me, but we had a talk last night,” Nicky said. Harry and Lily went to stand beside them. “We also had a long talk with Harry and Lily. We’ve decided to leave the Villa. Elladine and I don’t care about winning. We just want to be together.”

Everyone started talking at once. “Wait,” Harry called out. “Please listen.”

The islanders turned to him. “Lily and I have decided to leave as well.” He looked over at Rian. “I’m not giving up, but I want to see if I can walk away and put my efforts into creating a life with Lily instead of being so focused on winning. I really enjoyed working at my mom’s real estate office when I was younger, so maybe I’ll go back and try that. “

Rian nodded. “I get it. I wish the best for you both.”

“We’ve already packed and put our bags by the front door,” Nicky said quietly. The rest of the Islanders surrounded the two couples. Sharing hugs and their farewells. Everyone walked to the villa doors to see them off.

Everyone was quiet after they left. Rafi grabbed Rian’s hand, leading her over to the daybeds. “You okay?” He asked.

“Yea, I can’t say I blame them.” Rian shook her head. “No one is going to vote for a friendship couple to win, and there will not be any more recouplings… just dumpings. Why be miserable about it when they could be on the outside, getting on with it?”

Rafi looked at Rian curiously. “Would you walk?”

“No,” Rian said. “Regardless of whether I win or lose. I believe in seeing things through.”

The sound of Rian’s phone woke her. She didn’t remember falling asleep after the sandcastle challenge. Rafi lay next to her, lightly snoring. He cracked open an eye as she moved to look at the message blearily. “Hey, guys! I’ve got a text.”

The others made their way over to the daybeds. Once everyone was there, Rian read… “Islanders, it’s time to get you glad rags on! Each couple must now get ready to go on their final date.”

“I wonder where they will have us go?” AJ said,” I hope it’s something active like zip lining.”

Tai smiled. “I’d be up for that.” The Islanders headed back toward the Villa in higher spirits than earlier.

Rian was almost finished getting ready when Rafi stepped into the dressing room. He looked her over. “You look beautiful.” Rian reached to zip up the back of her dress, but it stuck.
“You want some help with that?” Rafi asked.

“Please,” Rian said, shifting her ginger waves out of the way as she turned around. He tugged the zipper into place and pressed a gentle kiss on the back of her neck, making her shiver.
“Sneak attack,” she accused quietly. Rafi smirked.

Rafi’s phone beeped. Pulling the phone from his pocket, he glanced at the screen.” We’re going on a date in a hot-air balloon.”

“That sounds like fun,” Rian said with a smile. “A little scary, though.”

“If you get scared,” Rafi smiled, “You can always hold on to me.” He reached over, grabbing her hand, “Let’s go.”