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Khodi glances at me before looking back at Leni. “Valli?”

“That’s me,” I say.

His attention goes straight back to my sister. “How long are you staying?”

Leni smiles slightly. “Why? Are you planning on kicking me off the island?”

“No.”

“Good. That would be a terrible first impression.”

“I’m security. I could make an exception.”

“For kicking me out?”

“For letting you stay.”

Her cheeks blush pink again, but this time she doesn’t look away. “Do you make exceptions for everyone you’ve just met?”

“No.”

Noa shifts beside me, resting his chin on his fist as he watches them.

Leni notices. “What?”

“Nothing,” Noa says. “Please continue.”

Khodi’s mouth twitches.

“Ignore him,” I tell Khodi.

“I was.”

“I like him,” Leni quips in Noa’s defense.

Khodi keeps his eyes on her. “That’s unfortunate. I was hoping you’d like to get to know me.”

Leni’s lips part as a smile slowly takes over her face. “Only time will tell.”

“I’ve got time.”

“Khodi!” Ares calls from the bar. “Clay is looking for you.”

He glances over his shoulder. “Tell him I’m coming.” He looks back at Leni. “Good to meet you. Think about the ‘getting to know me’ part.”

“I’ll consider it,” she says, and watches him walk away.

The moment he is out of earshot, Noa spins toward her. “Okay, that was something, right?”

Leni simply shrugs.

“What do you mean?” Noa mimics her, shrugging slightly. “That was flirting . . . with Khodi. I suppose he is objectively good-looking. If you’re into pretty boys with massive egos.”

Leni’s mouth hangs open. “Are you blind? He is hot AF—just look at those muscles. And did you smell him? My mouth literally watered. I wanted to eat him.”

Noa scoffs. “Excuse me, I do not need the mental image of my new sister wanting to eat a man I work with. Let’s order dessert, just the usual for you two?” Noa asks, and Cipher and I nod. “And for you, cannibal?”

“Surprise me, no allergies.”