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The reply comes almost instantly.
Wes: A hostage situation? Such dramatic language. Loosen up and enjoy your honeymoon, kids. Barring a ship-wide emergency, I’ll let the two of you out in the morning. You deserve the alone time. No more sleuthing for either of you. I’m officially giving you the night off.
I suck in a quick breath as I read it. “He didn’t!” I examine the screen once again. “He absolutely did.”
“Oh, he did.” Ransom wags his phone my way. “And it’s perfectly legal. Certain crew members have override privileges when they suspect passengers need some—enforced rest.”
“So we’ve essentially been placed on a medical quarantine,” I muse, laughing despite myself.
I know for a fact that the staff can lock down staterooms if someone has been loading up on cold medicine in the gift shop or showing other concerning symptoms. I just never thought it would happen to me.
“Sure, it’s technically legal.” I run my finger softly over Ransom’s lips. “Although I strongly suspect this particular lockdown lacks proper medical authorization.”
“That’s for sure,” he muses. “Typically, room service is still available in these situations,” he points out while backing me slowly against the wall as his arms lock around me tight. “And housekeeping, should we need it. But otherwise...” His lips brush my ear, sending shivers down my spine, and I soak in each and every one. “We’re stuck here, all night long with no way out.”
“Whatever shall we do?” I say as I tweak his ribs and his gaze presses into mine, unwavering.
His lips curve with a wicked grin because Ransom Baxter knows exactly what to do in a situation like this. “You did mention something about a shower earlier.”
“That I did,” I say as his mouth finds mine again, and this time there’s nothing gentle about it. This kiss is all heat and promise, making my toes curl.
Ransom and I kiss our way into the bathroom of the honeymoon suite, batting around blindly, far too consumed with passionate kisses to care that we’re knocking over cosmetics and toiletries alike.
The bathroom in the honeymoon suite really is a marvel of luxury, easily twice the size of a standard cabin’s facilities. Gleaming white marble stretches from floor to ceiling, with a rainfall shower big enough for a small party (not that I’m planning on inviting any guests). Gold fixtures catch the light, and a bench seat built into the shower wall practically begs to be utilized in some shape or form. The whole space screams decadence—and, well, in this case, shower for two.
Ransom reaches in to turn on the water and steam begins to curl through the room as if it could hardly wait to get here.
His jacket hits the floor, followed by his tie. “Now, where were we?”
I take off my stole and do my best to fling it onto the chair next to the closet. I’m not a monster.
I waste no time unzipping my gown and letting it drop to the floor. I’m about to toss it to the chair as well when I spot a spray of light pink stars next to the ceiling, and within seconds a full-fledged ghost materializes, a redheaded menace sporting a victory roll and a bright red toothy smile to boot.
I gasp at the sight of her as Ransom does his best to ravish me.
Sassy gives an impish wave before motioning for me to get back to work. Not that it’s work doing a single sinful thing with the handsome stud before me.
However, I’m not entirely sure I can perform my best knowing that I have a live studio audience.
Ransom’s lips find that spot just below my ear that makes coherent thoughts impossible, and I groan for more than one reason as I tilt my head toward our nosey disembodied neighbor.
I shoot her a look that says,Really, Sassy? Now?
And honestly, I have a feeling the here and now is exactly what she’s looking forward to most on this trip back to the planet.
Can’t say I blame her. The here and now with Ransom is my favorite part, too. Or at least it would be if I knew I wasn’t going to get scored on my performance.
Ransom pulls back and inspects me for a moment. “Is something wrong?” he murmurs against my cheek as his hands land possessively on my hips.
A part of me is tempted to tell him that it’s just our new resident ghost deciding this is the perfect time for a show, but I don’t dare say a word. It’s bad enough Sassy is ruining the honeymoon for me. The last thing I want is to ruin it for Ransom, too.
“Nothing is wrong,” I say, pulling him close. “In fact, everything is right.” Mostly.
I shoot the sassy nosey specter a dirty look because of it.
Ransom pulls back and gives a slight frown. “You did say something earlier about being quick.”
“That was about shopping,” I say as his mouth does wicked things to my neck. “This is entirely different. This deserves to be savored.”