Elle’s POY
“We’re here to enjoy a vacation like normal people, I continued, my voice steady and firm. “If your captain has some other agenda or requests, he can come tell me directly instead of sending people to hover around my table.”
The server’s lace went stiff, but he didn’t argue.
I sat back down.
- n. We’d like to eat in peace now,
He practically scurried away, and I noticed several nearby servers suddenly found other things to do. Sophie was grinning at me like I’d just performed magic.
Damn, Elle. Where did that come from?”
‘I’m tired of games, 1 said simply, cutting into the delicate fish on my plate. “And I’m definitely tired of people thinking they can manipulate me.”
Abigail nodded approvingly, “Good for you.”
The rest of our meal passed in blissful peace. No more servers appeared with “compliments of the captain, and we actually got to enjoy the food, which was
admittedly incredible.
“So what’s the plan a
plan after dinner?” Sophie asked as we finished our dessert.
“I vote for finding Susan and Malcolm,” I said, scanning the dining room. “I want to see how Mom’s enjoying herself.”
We looked around but couldn’t spot them anywhere. Think they went off somewhere private?” Abigail suggested with a knowing grin.
“Good for them,” I said, feeling genuinely happy for Susan. She deserves to have some fun. Let’s not bother them.”
“In that case,” Sophie said, standing and stretching, ‘I vote for fishing. The deck crew set up poles this afternoon.”
“Fishing?” I laughed. “Since when do you fish?
“Since I decided I need a relaxing hobby that doesn’t involve pack politics,” she replied. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”
h chairs and all the necessary equipment. One of my assistants immediately
We made our way to the deck where several fishing stations had been set up with appeared with a comfortable chair and made sure I had everything I nerded.
“I have no idea how to do this, I admitted, looking at the fishing rod like it might bite me
“I do,” Abigail announced confidently. “My dad used to take me fishing every summer. I’m actually pretty good at it.”
Sophin scoffed. “Please. How hard can it be? You throw the line in the water and wait.”
“Oh, you think it’s that simple?” Abigail’s competitive side emerged instantly. “Want to take it interesting?”
“Are you challenging me to a fishing contest?”
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Chapter 192
“Three hours,” Abigail said, settling into her chair with the confidence of someone who knew what she was doing. “Most fish wins”
“You’re on
on.” Sophie grabbed her rod with determination that made me laugh.
I settled into
chair between them, content to watch the ocean and listen to their trash talk. The sun was getting lower, painting the water in shades of gold and pink. For the first time in weeks, I felt genuinely relaxed.
About an hour into their competition (Sophie: zero fish, Abigail three), I excused mell “Im going to find a bathroom. Keep an eye on my chair
The assistant started to get up,
up, but I waved her off. I can handle a bathroom trip alone, thanks.”
I headed inside and found the nearest restroom, only to discover it was out of order, Maintenance signs were posted everywhere. Sighing. I decided to try the deck below.
I’d just reached the bottom of the staircase when someone thrust a mask into my hands. Before I could protest, I was being gently but firmly guided into a dimly lit room filled with music and laughter.
I found myself in the middle of what appeared to be a masquerade ball. The room was decorated with flowing fabrics and soft lighting, and people in elegant evening wear danced while wearing elaborate masks. Everyone looked like they’d stepped out of a fairy tale.
Excuse me,” I said to the person who’d handed me the mask, “T
- k. I think there’s been a mistake-
But they’d already disappeared into the crowd. I looked down at the mask in my hands a delicate thing covered in silver sequins and white feathers.
Around me, couples swayed to slow, romantic music.
I was about to leave when a voice spoke from behind me,
“May I have this dance, beautiful lady?”
Sied, and my breath caught. A till man stood there, wearing an impeccably tailored white captain’s uniform and a half–mask that covered the upper
portion of his face.
He executed a perfect, old–world bos, “I seem to have lost my way,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I was just looking for
“The evening is young, he interrupted smoothly, extending his hand. “And you’re exactly where you’re meant to be,”
Before I could protest, he’d taken my hand and was leading me onto the dance floor. His touch dent electricity up my arm, and I found myself moving with him to the slow, romantic music.
“Do I know you? Lasked, studying what I could see of his face above the mask.
His lips curved into a smile that made my stomach flutter. “Perhaps we knew each other in another life. In this one, I’ve been searching for someone just
like you.
The way he moved, the confidence in his steps, the way he held me it all felt a bit… familiar?
for a moment, and I found myself getting lost in the music and the warmth of his arms. When the song ended, he didn’t let me go.
We danced in silence for a
“Would you like to see something beautiful?” he asked.
I should have said no. Every instinct told me this was dangerous, that I was playing with fire. But there was something about him, something that called to
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Chapter 192
me despite all my better jodenicist.
“What did you have in mind?”
He led me through a side door into what appeared to be a private room. When he turned on the lights, I gasped. We were in a glass–walled underwater viewing room, surrounded by the most incredible marine life I’d ever seen. Schools of mlorful fish swam past the tramparent walls, and the water was 50 clear it felt like we were floating in an aquarium.
“This is incredible. I breathed, moving closer to one of the walls,
“It is,” he agreed, but when I turned, he was looking at me, not the fish. “But not nearly as beautiful as you.”
He moved closer, backing me against the glass wall. His hands came up to rest on either side of my head, trapping me in place. “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting to have you alone?”
My heart was pounding. “You don’t even know me.”
“Don’t I?” His voice was silk and danger. “Elle West, Carrying the child of Alpha Brad, Currently estranged from said Alpha dar to family politics and your own stubborn pride.”
I stared at him, shock replacing any romantic feelings. “You’re the captain.”
“Guilty as charged.”
“And you orchestrated all of this. The dress, the food, the gifts.” I was angry now, the spell broken. “What do you want?”
Instead of answering me,
Comments
he actually leaned in, trying to kiss me!
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
