MIDNIGHT AT THE BAHAMAS
CHAPTER 2 – THE DISRESPECT
The sun was bright, the ocean warm, and the island breeze smelled like coconut and salt. Everything felt perfect… until it didn't.
The five friends walked toward a small local fruit stand near the beach. The sand stuck to their wet skin as they joked, laughed, and pushed each other around. Kiara led the group, her waist-length braids swaying as she walked, confidence dripping from her like perfume.
Aiden carried the towels. Jayden ate a mango. Zara adjusted her sunglasses. Talia observed quietly, taking in the new environment.
They didn't notice the man sitting silently at the edge of the stand… but he noticed them.
He sat alone, arms rested on his knees, his black T-shirt absorbing the heat. His eyes were dark, unreadable, and fixed on the group as they approached. A shadow seemed to follow him even in the sunlight.
Kairo Blackwood.
The first time he saw them.
Kiara bumped into the fruit stand, laughing.
Jayden made a loud joke about the "creepy-looking guy in black on a sunny beach."
Aiden gave the man a brief glance — then looked away.
Zara giggled quietly.
And Kiara… she stared at him for only two seconds.
Two seconds.
Just long enough.
Because she noticed something the others didn't:
He wasn't creeped out.
He wasn't embarrassed.
He was calm.
Still.
Watching.
The vendor accidentally dropped a cup of pineapple slices. Jayden laughed, nudged the stand, and said loudly:
"Bro, you should smile. You look like someone's villain."
The group laughed again.
Kairo didn't move.
Didn't blink.
Didn't respond.
Just watched.
Talia whispered, "Guys… stop. That wasn't nice."
But they had already turned away.
Only Kiara glanced back one more time.
His eyes met hers. Sharp. Cold. Focused.
Like he was memorizing her face.
A shiver climbed up her spine, but she forced a laugh to cover the unease.
"Come on, guys," she said. "He's harmless."
But the moment they walked away, Kairo stood up slowly, wiped the sand off his hands, and watched them disappear into the bright afternoon.
They didn't know they had awakened something in him.
They didn't know disrespect was something he never forgot.
And Kiara didn't know the look he gave her wasn't attraction.
It was curiosity.
Interest.
Obsession beginning to breathe.
He whispered her name under his breath — even though she never said it.
"Kiara…"
The day was beautiful.
Their laughter was loud.
The trip had just begun.
But somewhere behind them, a hunter had chosen his targets.
And he never changed his mind.