Sapphire: The Gemstone Series

Chapter Eleven

The sun hung low in the morning sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the camp as Sapphire and the other Vessels made their way toward the beach. Sapphire walked with effortless grace, his movements as fluid as the sea, each step catching the light and making his sultry outfit shimmer. He had crafted the outfit himself—soft, flowing fabric that hugged his waist but left his toned legs exposed, the fabric swaying with his every movement. The top, barely there, showcased his collarbone and the delicate curve of his shoulders, while the color, a deep emerald green, set off his luminous skin and bright eyes. He looked nothing short of breathtaking.

Adrian, ever eager, had been the one to drag them all down to the beach, insisting that the Vessels help the soldiers catch fish for lunch. Sapphire, more than anything, was content to admire the beauty around him—the rock formations standing tall and proud against the shore, the shimmering sea creatures darting through the clear waters, the way the sunlight danced on the waves. The world felt so serene in moments like these, and Sapphire found solace in its marvel.

Yet even amidst the natural splendor, Sapphire's beauty was unmatched. His presence drew eyes like a magnet, the Vessels and soldiers alike stealing glances at him, unable to resist the allure he exuded. Montreal, standing shirtless near the shore, was no exception. The general's broad chest and sculpted abs glistened under the sun, his powerful biceps flexing as he cast a fishing line into the water. His rugged, handsome features were set in concentration, but his gaze kept drifting toward Sapphire, who stood near the rocks, oblivious to the attention.

Montreal could feel the heat building inside him again, the same fire that had ignited when he had seen Sapphire at the river the previous day. The Vessel's beauty was ethereal, almost otherworldly, and the more Montreal watched him, the more his desire burned. His hand tightened around the fishing pole as he approached Sapphire, his bare chest gleaming with a light sheen of sweat from the morning sun.

As Sapphire admired the beauty of the scenery, his eyes trailing over the fish darting through the shallows, Sapphire felt a presence behind him. He turned just as General Montreal approached, his shirt nowhere to be seen, revealing his sculpted body in all its glory.

"Enjoying the view?" Montreal's deep voice cut through the soft sounds of the waves.

Sapphire wasn't rattled by the comment, just like usual, his expression remained calm. He didn't respond at first and instead, turned his gaze back to the scene before him.

The Vessel's lips curled into a soft smile, not the least bit fazed by the man towering over him. "It's a beautiful morning," he replied simply, his tone light, though there was an undeniable edge of playful defiance in his eyes.

Montreal's gaze lingered on Sapphire's outfit—the way it clung to his body, accentuating every graceful curve. His heart thudded in his chest, his pulse quickening. He was no stranger to seduction, but there was something about Sapphire's indifference that made him want to conquer the Vessel all the more.

"I was wondering if you'd like to try your hand at fishing," Montreal said, holding out the pole toward him, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I can show you how."

Sapphire glanced at the pole, his curiosity piqued, though he could sense the unspoken tension in the air. He nodded, his movements calm, as if such advances were routine for him—and in many ways, they were. Sapphire had learned long ago how to navigate such encounters. Men often lost themselves in his presence, but Sapphire had already mastered the art of appearing unaffected.

Montreal's grin widened as he stepped closer, positioning himself behind Sapphire. Their bodies touched, and a flicker of heat passed between them. Montreal's large hands slid over Sapphire's, guiding them to the pole, his touch firm yet deliberate, his breath brushing against Sapphire's ear as he leaned in.

"Like this," Montreal murmured, his voice low, almost a growl. His hands moved with a sensuality that wasn't lost on Sapphire, though the Vessel remained undisturbed, his face betraying nothing. He'd dealt with men like Montreal before—men who were used to getting what they wanted. But Sapphire's composure, his steady indifference, only stoked the fire in Montreal's chest, making his desire burn hotter.

Together, they cast the line into the water, the rhythmic motion bringing their bodies into closer alignment. Sapphire could feel the heat radiating from Montreal's skin, the solid strength of his muscles pressing against him, but he remained focused on the task at hand. His heart, steady as ever, contrasted with the general's quickened breath and the tension coiling through his body.

When the line suddenly tugged, Sapphire's eyes widened in surprise, a genuine smile breaking across his face as he realized he'd caught something. Montreal's hand tightened over his, and together they pulled the fish from the water, the silver creature thrashing wildly in the air.

Sapphire laughed, the sound bright and light, his face lighting up with childlike joy. "I did it," he said, beaming as he held up the fish.

Montreal, wearing a dazed expression, nodded, though his mind was only half-focused on the catch. He watched Sapphire with a growing fondness, his heart pounding in his chest. The Vessel's beauty, his grace, his calm—it all made Montreal's need burn with an intensity that threatened to consume him.

Before Montreal could make another move, however, a sharp voice cut through the moment.

"Sapphire," Cruz's voice was tight with irritation, and he stormed toward them, his eyes flashing with something akin to jealousy. "We need you back at camp. They're short-handed for setting up lunch."

Sapphire turned, his playful smile fading into a look of mild annoyance. "I'm helping here," he replied, his tone light but firm, his inner defiance showing through. He had no intention of being dragged away just yet. He'd been enjoying the moment, despite the obvious advances.

But Cruz was persistent. His jaw tightened as he stepped closer, his gaze flickering from Sapphire to Montreal, and back again. "We need you. Now."

Sapphire sighed, his expression exasperated, but Cruz's tone left little room for argument. With one last glance at Montreal, who stood watching with an amused grin, Sapphire handed the pole back and reluctantly followed Cruz, though the frustration was clear in his eyes.

The tension between the two generals was palpable as Cruz and Sapphire left. Cruz said nothing to Montreal, but the unspoken challenge hung in the air. Montreal, entertained by the whole display, watched them go, a smirk playing on his lips. There was nothing he loved more than a challenge—and Cruz had just made things more interesting.

As they returned to camp, Cruz's frustration simmered beneath the surface. He had no explanation for the seething anger he felt whenever he saw Sapphire and Montreal together, but it gnawed at him, pushing him to the edge. His usual composure was slipping, and he hated it.

Juno, who had been lingering nearby, noticed Cruz's tense demeanor and sidled up to him, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Can you teach me how to fish?" Juno asked, his voice low and suggestive, hoping to catch the general's attention.

But Cruz, his mind elsewhere, brushed him off with a tense shake of his head. "Not now," he muttered, before picking up his pace and heading back to camp, leaving Juno standing there, his face painted with anger.

Juno's eyes darkened, his frustration rising as he watched Cruz disappear into the camp. It was always the same—Sapphire, Sapphire, Sapphire. He was always the center of attention, always the one everyone seemed to care about. And now, even Cruz was acting strange because of him. Juno clenched his fists, envy boiling over as he turned his gaze back toward the beach, where Sapphire was walking, making his way back to the camp with Cruz just a few feet behind him.

It was infuriating, and Juno's jealousy only grew stronger as he watched from afar, seething in silence. He had been pushed aside once again, but this time, he wouldn't let it slide.