They headed into the Villa to get ready for bed, but Rian knew that she had only a few options. There weren’t enough beds. She could sleep in the lounge or out on the daybeds. The evening was pleasant enough, so she said goodnight to the others and raided the linens for extra pillows and blankets. She dropped linens on the floor in the bathroom as she washed up for the night.

AJ burst into the door. “Oh, hey, sorry.”

“You need to brush, right?” Rian asked. AJ nodded. “Come on, then.”

“Thanks.” AJ shut the door behind her, and they brushed their teeth, sharing the sink. AJ set her toothbrush down, looking over at Rian. “Are you alright?”

Rian gave her a grateful look. “Yea, I’m good. Just going to have some fun with it.” AJ peered closer at Rian’s face. “Something wrong with my face?”

“No, you are still stunning even without the makeup, but you have a stray eyelash.” She said nervously.

Rian moved her head toward AJ. “Can you get it?”

AJ beamed, “sure.” She gently picked up the eyelash between her fingers and blew it to the side. “I made a wish on that eyelash, by the way.”

“What did you wish for?” Rian asked, knowing the answer.

Instead of answering, AJ gently pressed her lips to Rians’. Rian responded to her gentle touch, pulling AJ closer as AJ’s hands wandered over her body. They pulled apart a few minutes later. “That was my wish.”

“I thought as much,” Rian replied quietly.

AJ smiled. “Such a silly tradition, I wonder how it got started. Now we all believe in the eyelash’s power. Anyway, I hope I get to spend more time with you. “

A knock on the door interrupted them. “Hey, who is in there? ” Seb called out. “There are half a dozen people who need to use the loo, some more than others.”

AJ and Rian look at each other and giggled. “Oops. I guess we should go.” AJ said sheepishly. Rian left the bathroom, taking her linens with her.

She took her time setting up her bed but was still feeling a bit antsy after such a strange day. She pulled out her audio player, hit a song, and danced. She took belly dance since her parents died. It was a great way to express herself and work off any excess energy. Partway through, she felt someone staring at her, but she ignored it until the song was finished.

“You can come out, I know you are there,” Rian said as she found another song on the player.

“I came out to see how you were doing, but I didn’t expect this,” Camilo said. “It was actually damn sexy. I have to wonder what other secrets you are hiding. “

Rian chuckled, “I found dance to be therapeutic when my parents died. Whenever I’m feeling down or edgy, it helps.” She sat down on the bed, and he sat beside her close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off him. “I think you probably had something on your mind, though. There’s got to be a reason you would come to see me.”

“I did… There is…” Camilo said regarding her. “But honestly, seeing you dance just makes me want to kiss you again.”

Rian turned to face him. “What’s stopping you?” Her words brushed his lips.

His quick intake of breath showed that her words affected him. It was a moment before he answered. “Nothing.” He captured her lips forcefully as he pressed her down into the daybed. Rian let him plunder her mouth. His hard body pressed to her softer one as his hands wandered over her curves. He groaned, pressing his arousal into her before pulling away to lie beside her. “I want so much more.”

Rian smiled at him as she gently combed through his hair. “I do too, but we have others to consider.” It was far too early for her to show her hand yet. “And honestly, I think you should get to know Iona. She’s a lovely girl.”

“I know it’s the early days, and I should keep my options open, but I really like you, Rian.” Camilo wrapped his arms around her and sighed. “You’re right. We should get to know others. Somehow I have the feeling if we go any further tonight, you’ll disappear somehow.”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead and stood up. “I’m going back in. Sleep well, Rian.”

“Good night, Camilo.”