Page 10 of An Epic Voyage (The Epic Beauty Salon Files #1)

G riffin was growing increasingly concerned about the hurricane swirling in the Atlantic. It continued to strengthen, and all signs indicated it was about to change course. No one else was worried, including Van Houten, so he kept an eye on the forecast as he prowled around the yacht.

His steps faltered, and he almost stumbled when he spotted Indigo leaning against the railing, the wind blowing her sundress around her.

He watched transfixed, hoping to get a peek at those long, toned legs again.

She was talking on the phone. Was it to a boyfriend?

He knew from his background search that she wasn’t married.

Someone who looked like her must have a flock of men drooling after her wherever she went.

Indigo Adair was an enigma. Brilliant, according to her college records.

Athletic and fit, confirmed by his own eyes.

Wicked sense of humor, also corroborated by him.

She’d almost made him laugh out loud several times.

It’d taken all his restraint to keep from cracking a smile.

And, oh my, she was gorgeous. Instead of a career in psychology or politics, she’d turned her back on her studies to become a cosmetologist, not that there was anything wrong with the profession.

There wasn’t. However, it was a significant departure from what she’d prepared for during her four years of college.

She disconnected and turned, probably feeling the weight of his stare. He cleared his throat and walked toward her. “How’d it go with Jinger?”

Indigo made a face. “That woman is a she-devil. She makes Cruella de Vil look like a freaking saint.”

He grinned. “That she does.”

“How does Van Houten put up with her?”

Griffin leaned on the rail next to her and stared out at the darkness. “She’s arm candy for him. She treats everyone like dirt until he’s around. Then she morphs into a sweet, agreeable angel. He’s never seen her in action.”

“Pity.”

Griffin chuckled. “I don’t see the relationship lasting much longer. He gets bored relatively easily, and it’s already lasted longer than most of his hookups.”

“She offered me a position as her official beautician.”

Griffin looked at her as his heart skipped a beat. He didn’t plan on being with Van Houten much longer, but seeing more of Indigo sounded eminently appealing. “Did you accept?”

“Heck, no. There isn’t enough money in the world for me to take that job.”

Griffin smiled. Ah, well, there went that brief flare of hope. At least she wasn’t motivated by money. Another plus in her favor. “It would probably be a life-changing amount.”

“Nope. It was all I could do to refrain from landing a stinging haymaker on her ridiculously plumped lips.”

He would’ve loved to have seen that. And it was nice to know he wasn’t the only one who thought Jinger’s porn-star pucker was atrocious.

Indigo was looking at him funny. “What?”

She shook her head. “Oh, nothing . . . just that you should smile more often.”

A bolt of lust lanced through his body. Attraction.

That’s what he was feeling. It was as instantaneous as it was unwelcome.

He had an important job to do. This was no time for his libido to get in the way.

Still, he couldn’t look away from her purply-blue eyes.

And it didn’t stop him from asking if she wanted the tour of the yacht she’d previously mentioned.

She nodded slowly. “Sure.”

Griffin almost reached for her hand. What was wrong with him? Was it because he’d seen her practically naked? Or was it that she was feisty, fit, and incredibly sexy? Probably a combination of everything he knew about her.

He led her around the yacht, pointing out the features and amenities.

She asked intelligent questions, showcasing her sharp mind, which had double-majored in two demanding subjects.

She even wanted to look around the lazarette, where the water toys were stored, and the engine room.

Most people wouldn’t want to see the nuts and bolts, only the glittery parts.

He was quickly learning that she wasn’t like most people.

It was getting late, and Griffin should be getting to bed, but he was wide awake and enjoying spending time with Indigo. When he suggested a drink, she accepted.

It felt intimate to be sitting across the table from her in a deserted bar.

A candle flickered in front of them, and soft jazz drifted from the speakers.

They were both drinking red wine as they discussed current events and shared memories of their childhoods.

He learned that she’d lost both parents and had grown up in the foster care system.

He’d experienced a similar upbringing, but he’d been fortunate to have loving grandparents raise him after his parents were killed in a car accident.

Griffin was enjoying getting to know her, so he mentally cursed when Benedict and Jinger strolled inside, hand in hand.

All three of his bodyguards came in behind them and sat at the bar.

Why Van Houten needed them following him around was a mystery.

Did he think armed pirates were going to infiltrate the yacht and hijack it?

Van Houten raised his hand to greet them.

“Griff.” He urged Jinger forward and they took the two empty chairs at their table.

The bartender placed drinks in front of them.

Van Houten’s glass was filled with red wine like his and Indigo’s, while Jinger’s was a frothy pink concoction with a pineapple slice, cherries, and a colorful umbrella.

“How’s it going?” Van Houten asked.

“All’s well except for the storm in the Atlantic.”

Van Houten took a sip. “Don’t worry about it, Griff. My island is immune to storms.”

Yeah? How did that work? There was no bartering with Mother Nature.

Van Houten finally seemed to notice Indigo. He straightened in his seat. “Well, hello. I don’t think we’ve met.”

Before Indigo could respond, Jinger jumped in to say, “Oh, Benny, this is the woman I was telling you about, my new makeup artist. She’s replacing Pammy.”

“Indigo Adair,” she said.

Van Houten shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Indigo.”

Was it Griffin’s imagination, or was he holding on longer than was polite? Plus, he did not like the way Van Houten stared at her. It was almost predatory.

“Nice to meet you, and I’m only here for this trip. Pammy will resume her duties when we return.”

Jinger waved her comment away. “Nonsense. I want you, so Benny will make it happen. Right, darling?”

Apparently, Jinger hadn’t noticed the way her boyfriend was undressing Indigo with his eyes, or she’d want Indigo as far away as possible from her sugar daddy. Griffin sure did.

“Yes, I will make it happen, Ms. Adair,” Van Houten responded smoothly. He’d yet to take his eyes off her. “Name your price.”

#

I ndigo had been around creeps before, and Benedict Van Houten set off every one of her internal alarms. He made her skin crawl.

Maybe it was because she knew he was a traitor to his country, or perhaps it was the way he brushed her leg under the table while his girlfriend was sitting across from him.

“I’m flattered, but I already have a job I love.”

“Benny,” Jinger whined. “I want her. Look what she did to my hair.” Jinger shook her head, sending her waves dancing.

“Yes, she is talented. I’m sure we can make a deal. I can be very . . . persuasive.”

Indigo fought a shudder. Ick. He was disgusting. And he hadn’t quit staring at her. She smiled politely and stood. “It’s getting late, and I’ve had a long day. I’m going to turn in. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Van Houten. Jinger, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Not too early,” Jinger warned. “I need my beauty sleep. Right, Benny. Benny?”

“What . . . oh, right.”

Griffin rose to his feet. “I’ll walk you back to your suite, Indigo.”

Benedict stood too. “We’ll discuss this proposition in more detail later. I’ll have my lawyer draw up a contract.”

Good grief, how many times did she have to say no? “That’s unnecessary, Mr. Van Houten. I’m afraid it won’t do any good. Goodnight.”

Indigo walked away before he could say anything else.

Griffin followed her, and they headed to the elevator.

Neither of them spoke. Griffin subtly shook his head when they were inside.

She took that to mean the elevator either had ears or someone was watching the monitors in the security room.

Maybe both. Crapola. How was she going to search the ship?

Griffin had given her a thorough tour, and there were several areas she wanted to inspect closely.

When they reached her suite, she opened the door and waited for Griffin to follow. He did. She turned to him and whispered, “I’m assuming by your reaction that the ship is bugged?”

His brows raised. “Bugged? This isn’t a spy movie.”

Son of a bucket . She’d made a strategic mistake.

Why would a cosmetologist worry about listening devices?

And now, Griffin was studying her like a dead tick under a microscope.

Just freaking great, Indigo. Way to fly under the radar.

She tried to play it off with a chuckle.

“Okay, so maybe I watch too many cop dramas on television.”

She wasn’t sure he believed her. His gaze was still assessing, but he answered, “There are cameras all around, some with sound capabilities, like in the elevators, hallways, common spaces. As I told you before, the rooms are safe.”

She nodded. It was what she had expected.

“Are you seriously going to turn down Van Houten’s offer?”

Good, he’d dropped the bug issue. “Absolutely.”

“He’s been known to dip into the seven figures to pacify Jinger.”

Indigo gulped. That was a lot of money. Certainly more than her government salary. She’d never been into material things. Her loft and vehicle were part of her contract, so the bulk of her salary was allocated to savings and investments. She wasn’t filthy rich, but she wasn’t hurting either.

“That must be how he lured Jordy to work for him.”