Month: July 2025

Note: I wrote this short story a few months ago, but after reading it, I felt like it needed some work. Here is my final version. I think….

The bored man tried to relax on a beach lounger with a drink, a Snake Bite, in one hand; he shielded his eyes from the glaring sun with the other. The blue waters of St. Lucia sparkled and stretched before him, an inviting landscape of sea and sand. In the distance, sailboats dotted the calm waters, their sails rolling softly in the breeze. Waves rushed and crashed upon the beach, and seagulls squawked in the distance. Along the shore, couples strolled hand in hand, their laughter carried on the warm, salty air. Although he should enjoy his time in this tropical paradise, the disgruntled male could not shake his discontent. The monotony of his existence was getting to him. 

He could not understand his perturbed attitude. His businesses boomed; his professional pursuits exceeded his yearly quotas, and new associates were trained daily. He sighed, longing to find something new to amuse his lagging contentment; he soundly required a distraction.

Nearby, a group of women in a nearby cabana openly flirted, competing for his attention.  He knew he could have his pick of the women, but they failed to capture his interest. On this vacation, he decided he wanted a challenge, not easy pickings. A new game of cat and mouse would be the perfect way to hone his growing talents of seduction and temptation.  He smirked, amused by this clever tactic. 

Downing the rest of his drink, he silently handed his assistant his empty glass, then ordered another Snake Bite. His aide took the glass, walked to the outdoor bar, and ordered another drink of cider and stout. As the large man waited for his drink, he heard low whispers and gasps behind him. Curious, the man turned his head to discover the source of the commotion. Inspecting the crowd, his gaze landed on the stunning beauty that had captured everyone’s attention.

She was tall, with long, flowing blonde hair and legs that seemed to go on forever. A white caftan draped over her form, with teasing glimpses of the bikini beneath that barely concealed her breathtaking curves. Still, an undeniable innocence graced her presence. Her large blue eyes took in the landscape around her, and she laughed when she witnessed a pair of vervet monkeys escaping the outdoor cantina after hijacking passionfruit from the kitchen. Her face was pure and lit from within like an angelic painting by Master Sandro Botticelli himself. He had to have her. This was the distraction he desired. Rising from his lounger, he moved toward her, determined to introduce himself and uncover more about this enchanting creature.

He watched as people were drawn to her quiet voice and kind smile. The crowd was mesmerized by her gentle nature and beauty.  He quickened his walk; he urgently wanted to steal her away before anyone else had the opportunity. 

This beauty witnessed his approach, and he chuckled as he caught her eyes raking over his body, appraising him with open curiosity. Her expression told him everything; she enjoyed the view. The intriguing lady reddened when she realized she was caught assessing his body, and the man grinned at her discomfort.

“Good afternoon,” he crooned, his voice smooth as silk. “May I offer you a seat under my umbrella?” He gestured toward his shaded spot on the beach. Taking her soft hand in his, the man declared,  “My name is Lucian, and I must say, I’d love to learn more about the woman who has caused such a stir among the island guests.”

She blushed but smiled, and the vile man found himself momentarily breathless. Her eyes, so startlingly blue, pierced through him. Something about her presence unsettled him, a rare and unnatural feeling. He had to find out more about her.

Shyly, she nodded and replied, “I would like that. And my name is Celine.”

As they walked together toward Lucian’s lounger, a strange-looking man suddenly appeared, his eyes darting nervously between them.

“Would you like a drink, mistress?” he asked, his voice low and somewhat wary.

Celine nodded. “I’d love a rosé, a Whispering Angel if they carry it.”

The odd man hurried away, leaving the couple to settle beneath the umbrella. They made an unmistakable contrast: Celine, fair-skinned with light blue eyes and golden hair, and Lucian, towering over her with dark hair and eyes as deep and dark as a tempest sky. Yet, despite his somewhat menacing presence, a faint glimmer shone in his gaze, one that intrigued Celine. She wanted to know more about him.

“Have you visited the islands before?” Lucian inquired, certain that a woman as rare as she could not have gone unnoticed.

“No, this is my first time,” she admitted. “My boss insisted I take some time off and relax. He owns a beach house just down the shore.”

“What do you do for a living?” The curious man asked.

“Well, I,” she stuttered, “I work with children.”

“Oh, are you a teacher or a”

She nervously interrupted, “Not a teacher, a caretaker of sorts.”

“Oh, a nanny,” he announced.

“Yes, a nanny,” she agreed.

Lucian’s assistant brought Celine’s wine and asked Lucian if he would like a refill. But, the preoccupied Lucian just waved his assistant away.

“Maybe we should take a stroll,” he suggested smoothly. “I’d like to get to know you better. Somewhere away from all these prying eyes.”

Many onlookers still gawked at the magnificent pair. She hesitated for a moment as a ripple of longing moved through her. This impulse frightened her, and she knew she was wandering into forbidden territory. But this strange spark took over, and she told the alluring man, “The cottage does have a wonderful view.” Glancing around at the curious stares, she added, “It might also be a little less intimidating.”

Lucian rose and extended his hand, a charming yet devilish grin playing at his lips. As Celine stood, dark clouds suddenly rolled across the sky, and the wind began to blow.  As the skies grew darker, they swallowed the sun in a somber embrace. A loud clap of thunder rumbled, and she gasped, flinching slightly.  

For reasons unknown to him, he felt compelled to protect her. This was a strange and new sensation for the man. Never in his life had he longed to protect another. As he started to pull her next to him, suddenly, her caftan billowed in the wind, and for the briefest moment, he saw them. Wings. Ethereal, shimmering wings. But as quickly as they had appeared, they vanished. If he had been looking at the sky instead, he might have missed them altogether.

Scowling, Lucian leaned in and whispered, “Do you know who I am? Why are you here?”

She stared at him, her brows knitting in confusion. “No, I just met you. And I told you, my boss wanted me to take some time away from work. He thought I needed quiet to clear my mind. I’ve been… distracted lately.”

Lucian cackled, then bent closer, his lips brushing her ear as he murmured the truth of his identity.

Her breath paused until a small cry escaped. Her stunning blue eyes widened in shock, then flickered with unholy fear.

“Easy, love,” the Prince of Darkness cooed, reaching for her hand. His touch seductively burned. “We could make quite the pair,” he mused, his voice a velvet promise. “After all, you wouldn’t be the first fallen angel to touch the earth.”

Today’s prompt is to write about where the devil goes on vacation.