Chapter 229

Tamia looked totally guilty as she shuffled toward the bed, and when Anastasia wasn’t looking, she dove under the covers like she was hiding evidence. “Whoops, totally lost track of time.”

She paused and added quickly, “I’m gonna pass out now. Dead tired.”

Anastasia was about to call her out when her phone rang. Not wanting to wake Tamia, she quickly answered and ducked into the bathroom.

“Hey,” Anastasia whispered.

Hearing her sneaky tone, Cassian couldn’t help but smile. “You up? What’s with the secret agent voice?”

“Just woke up. But Tamia literally just crawled in and needs to crash, so I’m hiding in the bathroom.”

“That sucks,” Cassian said with obvious disappointment.

“What?”

Cassian chuckled. “Nothing. You hungry? Let’s grab some breakfast.”

“Yes, please.”

Cassian left first, with Anastasia following a few minutes later.

When he reached for her hand, she totally dodged him.

Cassian gave her the most pathetic look. “We’re not even around your coworkers anymore. Still can’t hold hands?”

Seeing his kicked-puppy expression, Anastasia’s heart melted.

She grabbed his hand with a dramatic sigh. God, I’m such a pushover.

Cassian’s whole face lit up as he laced their fingers together, holding on like his life depended on it.

“So what delicious local food are you introducing me to today?” Anastasia asked.

The tropical cuisine here was completely different from what she was used to—different spices, cooking methods, everything. Being here had seriously boosted her appetite.

“Remember yesterday when we were drinking coconut water, you mentioned wanting to try that fish curry from the next stand over? But you were too stuffed. I had someone scope it out—there’s this place nearby where the chef’s been making authentic Maldurry for like fifteen years. Total local favorite, so I figured we’d check it out.”

Cassian kept going enthusiastically, “Then for lunch we’ll hit up the fish market. Buy everything fresh right off the boats and have one of the waterfront places cook it up. Zero transport time means maximum freshness.”

Everything Cassian suggested was stuff he knew she’d love.

Anastasia suddenly stopped walking and just stared at him.

Cassian stopped too, looking worried. “What? Not feeling it?”

Anastasia shook her head. “Everything you picked is stuff I’m into. But what about what you want?”

Oh, that’s what’s bugging her.

Cassian’s smile was soft and genuine. “Honestly? Whatever makes you happy makes me happy.”

Anastasia felt like her heart was about to melt into a puddle.

Even if Cassian was just being sweet, at least he was putting in the effort—unlike some people she could mention…

Anastasia shook her head, irritated with herself. Ugh, why am I even thinking about that loser?

They reached the curry spot pretty quickly.

Before they even got close, this incredible smell hit them—rich spices mixed with coconut and fresh fish that made Anastasia’s stomach growl immediately.

Even though they’d gotten there early, there was already a decent line forming.

Anastasia knew Cassian hated crowds. She glanced at him and squeezed his hand. “It’s getting pretty busy. Want to bail and try somewhere else?”

“Nah, we’re here now. It’s not like we can just pop over here whenever we want. Let’s not miss out.”

Anastasia nodded, impressed by his attitude.

They got in line, still holding hands. The guy in front of them turned around with a friendly smile. “You two visiting?”

“Yeah, first time here,” Anastasia replied.

She knew Cassian wasn’t big on small talk with strangers, so she took point on the conversation.

“Crazy that you found this place. This is pure local territory—most tourists never hear about it.”

“Any good?” Anastasia asked.

“Best curry on the island, hands down. But that’s the problem—they sell out super fast. Coming this late, you might be out of luck.”

“Damn, that would suck,” Anastasia said, genuinely disappointed.

Even though she was chatting, she stayed a little guarded—you never knew with strangers.

“Here, take my spot,” the local guy offered out of nowhere.

“Oh no, we couldn’t! You were here first,” Anastasia protested.

“Seriously, it’s cool. I can get this stuff anytime, but you guys probably won’t get another shot.”

The guy actually stepped aside and waved them forward.

Anastasia and Cassian were genuinely touched. “Thank you so much, that’s incredibly nice.”

“No worries!” he said with a wave.

When they finally got to the front, the owner looked apologetic. “Just one portion left—you still want it?”

After waiting this long? Hell yes.

“Absolutely,” Anastasia said, then looked around to thank their line buddy again, but he’d already disappeared. Probably heard they were almost sold out and took off.

The curry arrived looking absolutely incredible—chunks of fresh fish in rich coconut curry with perfect spices, served with warm flatbread.

Apparently the chef hit the harbor every morning to snag whatever looked freshest.

The first bite was mind-blowing—creamy, spicy, with layers of flavor that made Anastasia close her eyes in appreciation.

Since there was only one bowl, she and Cassian had to share.

Somehow, sharing made it taste even better.

Cassian noticed Anastasia was avoiding the sea grapes floating in the curry.

“Not your thing?”

Anastasia made a face. “All yours. I’m good.”

Sea grapes looked like little green alien eggs, and she just couldn’t do it.

The chef wandered over with a knowing grin. “Sea grapes are excellent for men—give you extra energy, if you catch my drift.”

Cassian had zero interest before, but hearing that? He started scooping up every single sea grape in the bowl, even though they tasted like salty sea was bubbles.

Anastasia watched him force them down and tried not to laugh.

They demolished the entire bowl and both wanted seconds.

“Come on, let’s find something else to try,” Cassian said, standing up.

“Lead the way.”

With tips from the chef and some locals, they sampled a few other island specialties, but nothing came close to that curry.

Cassian could tell Anastasia was just being polite about the other food. “Save some room—we’re doing serious seafood for lunch.”

“Smart plan.”

They ditched any tourist agenda and just wandered along the coastal road, no destination in mind.

Even the most ordinary views looked magical when they were together.

“Ana.”

“Hmm?”

She turned at the sound of her name and heard the camera click—Cassian had totally ambushed her with a photo.

“Did you just paparazzi me?”

Cassian paused, then grinned. “Your turn to get me.”

Anastasia shook her head with a smile.

Cassian’s face fell slightly, looking disappointed.

Then Anastasia pulled out her phone.