Page 18

God, did she ever. But she couldn’t go anywhere until she knew Nate was safe. She scooted her chair closer to the table and lifted a shoulder. “My sister asked me to call in an hour so I can talk to my dad. I’ll try to eat something, but honestly, I’m not hungry.”

Her fingers closed around the smooth stainless-steel fork. Medium rare prime rib stared back at her and her throat flexed on a gag.

“I’m sure you’ll feel better with some food in your stomach.”

“Attention emergency crew members, we have a Code Oscar. Repeat, Code Oscar, Starboard.”

The blood drained from Maddie’s face like sand from an hourglass.

“What the hell?” Carlos turned in his seat and craned his neck around the room. Maddie’s breath came out in low, haggard puffs. She lifted her lids and met Ashley’s gaze. She gave one slight nod before turning her attention to the crew member who had taken the stage.

“No need to worry, everyone. We’re turning the ship and will be back on track shortly.”

“Are we sinking?” a frantic woman called behind Maddie.

Her hand shook violently next to her plate, and her fork clanked against the smooth china. She lowered her fork to the napkin and frowned at the speaker. Carlos’s hot gaze burned the side of her cheek.

“No, of course not. There is absolutely no damage to the ship. This code is regarding a passenger injury. Everyone, please remain in your seats and enjoy your meal until further notice.”

Carlos’s phone dinged and he rested his cutlery next to his plate and pulled his phone out. Maddie’s face warmed as his fingers moved over the screen. He cursed and dropped the device on the table.

Maddie flexed her fingers, lifted her fork and knife, and cut into the tender meat. “What’s the matter?” Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat. If she didn’t get her nerves under control she may as well jump off the ship with Nate.

“Tony’s gone.” He stiffened in his seat and turned toward her. Heat crept across her cheekbones, but the icy cold chill hadn’t left her flesh. “Did you see him while you were outside?”

She shook her head. “No. I had poor reception and was moving around a lot though.” She forced a weight of concern into her voice. “Is he all right?”

“Hector just texted and told me Tony left about fifteen minutes ago. He’s tried calling him, but there’s no answer.” Carlos’s sharp eyes moved over her face.

Her pulse rose with the speed of a rocket. If there was anything out of place, a splatter of blood, a tear in her dress… he would catch it. “That’s so strange. I’m sure he’s fine.”

Carlos shook his head as if removing the thought. “Yeah, he probably went up to the room or met some woman. He’s been chasing a few since we’ve been here.”

Maddie snorted. That was an understatement.

Carlos lifted his fork and dug into his meal.

Nate had to be okay… but what about Tony?

If he survived, they’d be screwed. And if he’d died…

there was no telling what lengths Carlos would go to find out what had happened.

Tony and Hector were his most trusted men and were closer to Carlos than his family.

If Carlos had the captain pull the security cameras, she wouldn’t be able to backtrack out of her lies.

Sweat collected at the base of her neck and she forced herself to chew a roasted red pepper. The minutes ticked by and dessert came out. Another announcement came over the P.A. system, removing the code restrictions. Maddie shifted her eyes to Ashley and she winked.

Nate was okay.

She needed to see Nate with her own eyes… to feel and touch him. Until then, she wouldn’t be at ease. Maddie scooped a dollop of chocolate mousse and the rich cream melted over her tongue. Carlos moaned next to her.

“That was amazing.” He looked at his watch. “It’s been an hour, Maddie. Are you going upstairs to call your sister back?”

She straightened in her seat and set her spoon in the empty dish. Anticipation coursed through her. “Yeah, I’d better. I’m glad you suggested I eat, but I’m so worried about my dad.” Her hand curled around her stomach as if the worry were eating through her.

Carlos’s fingers brushed a piece of her hair behind her ear. “If you feel up to it, come back down to watch the show. It’s supposed to be one of the best this week.”

“I’ll text you in a bit and let you know.” She leaned over and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Will you be late tonight?” Her fingers laced with his and his thumb moved over her knuckles.

“I have a game of poker planned,” he chuckled. “Though I feel like a crook taking the sonofabitch’s money. If you need me to come up early, I can.”

She slid her chair back and let go of his hand. “Enjoy your game honey, I’ll check in with you in a bit.” She smiled, got to her feet, and wriggled her fingers at him.

Her eyes locked on Hector’s large form as he came toward her, his gaze on Carlos.

Her pulse slowed to a dull roar in her ears.

Hector zeroed in on her face and his lip curled.

She pressed her tongue to the roof of her mouth and nodded at him.

He didn’t acknowledge her, but his eyes stayed trained on her like the hot, red dot of a sniper.

She detoured around a table and he passed her, his stride determined on Carlos. Her hands slammed hard against the metal of the door and she breezed into the hall. She leaned forward, gathered the excess material at her thighs, and ran for the elevators… and for Nate.