TWO NIGHTS, TWO BILLIONAIRES

The crashing of the waves filled the atmosphere as Raven stepped onto the soft sand, her feet sinking with each step. A gentle breeze carried the scent of the salt water. She scanned her eyes along the shoreline until they landed on Mason. She let out a small breath of relief. “He is here,” she said. It wasn’t that she thought he wouldn’t be there, but sometimes a little voice inside her whispered that things weren’t as perfect as it seemed, that one day Mason might decide she wasn’t enough. She pushed the thought away and forced a smile as she walked towards him. He is already waiting for her, sitting on a woven mat with an assortment of food spread out in front of him-fresh fruits, sandwiches, a bottle of wine, and even her favourite chocolate truffles. “You went all out,” Raven said with a smile, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face as she approached. “Whenever you request a meeting at the beach, I expect a very memorable and special treat.” she continued as her tired leg wobbled, and her side bag dangled in her hand. Mason looked up, his lip curving into the effortless grin that always made her heartbeat. “Only the best for you,” he said, creating a space beside him. “Come and sit before I charge you an exorbitant fee for the space,” he teased, already offering his hands to receive Raven. She smiled brightly, lowering herself into the hands of Mason and onto the mat simultaneously. The warmth of the sand beneath the mat made things even more comfortable. Mason handed her a wine. He, he poured them each a glass of wine. They clinked glasses, settling into the warmth of the setting sun, casting a golden hue over them. “To a new adventure,” Mason said. Raven smiled, taking a sip before leaning against his shoulder. “And to Istanbul,” she said. Mason stiffened-just for a moment. A hesitation so brief that most people wouldn’t have noticed, but Raven did. She turned to him, brows furrowing slightly. “You are excited about the trip, aren’t you?” her finger playing with the hem of her dress. Mason gave a reassuring smile. “Of course, "It’s going to be amazing.” something about the way he said it felt…off. Like he was holding something back, but Raven didn’t press him. She trusted him and had no reason to believe otherwise. “What if she asked too many questions and pushed him away,” she thought inwardly. Instead, she let the moment pass, focusing on the food, waves and the way Mason’s finger traced patterns on her wrist. “You worry too much,” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Maybe he’s right” she concluded. Mason leaned in, pressing a slow kiss to her lips, and for a moment, all her fears melted away. “We’ll need to start packing soon,” Raven said, taking a small sip of her wine. Mason didn’t respond immediately. He was looking at the waves, swirling the drink in the glass. “Come on,” he said, pulling her up. “Let’s make tonight a good one,” he whispered into her ear. Raven's cheek warmed. “Yeah?” “Yeah.” His finger trailed down her arm, sending a shiver through her spine. “You and me.” No distraction. Just this,” he signaled with his fingers pointing to Raven and himself simultaneously. They walked along the water, the cool waves licked their feet. Mason was playfully tugging her into the surf, laughing when she squealed at the cold. He lifted her effortlessly, spinning her around until she was breathless with laughter. For the first time that evening, she let herself relax. Mason pulled her close, his lip brushing against her forehead, “You trust me, don’t you?” he asked, his tone barely above a whisper. The question caught her unexpectedly. “Of course,” she whispered. He studied her for a second longer before nodding as if he needed to hear it. “Good,” he remarked. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she leaned onto him, her head resting against his chest. They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in the comfort of each other’s presence. Then Mason shifted a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Come on,” he said, grabbing her hands and pulling her behind him. Raven laughed.” What are you doing? She inquired with a low chuckle. “Let’s go home,” he murmured in her ear. A shiver ran down her spine, not from the cold, but from the firmness and the loving way he said it. They drive back to Mason’s house. The journey is quiet and filled with comfortable anticipation. Mason’s finger played with the hem of her dress while driving with the other hand, and slowly traced his fingers to her thigh. Her thoughts drifted as she glanced at Mason. His hand gripped the steering firmly with ease. His gaze fixed on the road ahead. It’s getting dark. When they arrived, Mason parked, turning to her with his usual breathtaking small smirk. “Ready.” Raven nodded her head, letting him take his hands as they stepped inside. Mason’s house was dimly lit when they stepped inside, the warmth of the space instantly wrapped around Raven. She kicked off her sandals, feeling a shiver of anticipation as Mason forgot to shut the door behind them. Before she could say anything, he was there, his hand sliding down her waist, pulling her close. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed this,” he murmured against her lips. Her breath hitched as he deepened the kiss, his warmth surrounded her, and she melted into him, her hand gripping his shirt, grounding herself in him. The world outside didn’t matter anymore. Her doubts, the unease-all of it faded. Until her phone rang. She stiffened, and Mason groaned, resting his forehead against hers. “Ignore it,” he muttered, his finger tracing a slow circle on her hip. But then it rang again. And again. “It must be an important call, I have to pick it up,” she said, her voice overwhelmed by an unceasing fast breath. Mason groaned louder in irritation. With a soft sigh, Raven reached for her bag, pulling out her phone. Her heart skipped when she saw the name on the screen. Isabela Blackwood. Her mouth went dry. “Who is it?” Mason asked, sensing her tension. She hesitated before answering “Isabela Blackwood.” Mason’s entire demeanor changed. His grip on her waist tightened, his jaw clenching. Raven swallowed hard and answered, “Hello?” “Be at the office by 9 am tomorrow. "Don’t be late.” “Ma’am, tomorrow is Saturday…the call ended before she could complete her statement. Raven dropped the phone in her bag slowly, her pulse unsteady. Mason’s gaze was unreadable. “What does she want?” “She wants me at the office tomorrow by 9 am tomorrow,” she replied, but unease was written all over her. “Am I missing anything?” Mason asked at that time. Curiosity was setting in already. “I don’t know,” Raven whispered, but deep down, a part of her did. Something was happening, and she wasn’t sure if she was ready for it.