Chapter 4

The morning sun cast long shadows across the villa as Luke made his way to the kitchen. The previous night's events hung in the air, a palpable tension that even the bright blue sky couldn't quite dispel. He found Ziam already there, nursing a coffee, the lines around his eyes a little more pronounced than usual.

"Morning," Luke offered, trying for a casual tone.

Ziam simply nodded, his gaze fixed on the swirling steam rising from his mug. The silence stretched, thick and uncomfortable. Finally, he spoke, his voice low. "So, Jimmy."

Luke leaned against the counter, feigning indifference. "Yeah, Jimmy. What about him?"

Ziam looked up, his eyes meeting Luke's. "He's trouble, you know."

Luke raised an eyebrow. "Is that a warning?"

"Maybe," Ziam conceded, "Maybe it's just... an observation." He took a long sip of his coffee, then added, "He's good at playing the game. But he's not here for the right reasons."

Luke didn't respond, unsure how to take Ziam's words. Was it jealousy? Genuine concern? Or something else entirely? He knew Ziam had always been a bit of a mystery, his motives hidden beneath a carefully constructed facade.

Later that day, the Islanders were gathered by the pool when Smith announced another text. The group held their breath.

"Another date," Smith read, his voice devoid of emotion. "This time, Jimmy and Loco."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the group. Luke felt a sharp pang of something he couldn't quite identify—perhaps disappointment, perhaps something more complex. He glanced at Ziam, who was staring out at the ocean, his expression unreadable. Loco, on the other hand, wore a mask of forced nonchalance, but Luke could see the tension in his jaw.

The date unfolded in a similar fashion to Luke's, with the candlelit cabana and whispered conversations. However, the atmosphere was different. The playful banter between Jimmy and Loco was laced with an undercurrent of competition. Luke couldn't shake the feeling that the stakes had been raised, that this was more than just a game of flirtation.

Back at the villa, the group waited for their return. The tension had become almost unbearable. Finally, they saw the two figures approaching. Jimmy and Loco walked in together, but there was a distinct distance between them. Jimmy was smiling, but Loco's face was a mask of anger.

"Everything alright?" Smith asked, trying to sound casual.

Loco scoffed. "Yeah, everything's just fine." He glared at Jimmy, then turned and walked away without another word.

Jimmy watched him go, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. Then, he turned to the rest of the group and flashed his signature smile. "Well, that was interesting," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Anyone up for a game?"

The night wore on, filled with forced laughter and strained conversations. Luke found himself drawn to Ziam, seeking a quiet refuge from the chaos. They sat by the firepit, the embers casting dancing shadows on their faces.

"He's playing us all," Ziam said softly, breaking the silence.

Luke nodded, finally understanding. "What do we do?"

Ziam looked at him, his eyes filled with a newfound intensity. "We fight back."

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