Page 124 of Never Tell Secrets

“Well, less of a surprise and more of a do over.”

Curious, I followed him to the lower deck, down one passageway and then another until we arrived at the cinema room. Instead of typical theatre seating, there were ample plush chairs and sofas littered with luxurious blankets and giant cushions.

A tub of ice cream sat on a table next to a sofa so large it could serve as a bed. I stood, watching as Alfie picked up a remote. The screen lit up and I started to laugh as the opening scene ofDie Hardstarted to play. Now his do over comment made sense.

“Alfie, not that I mind but why the do over?”

He shrugged. “We didn’t get to watch the film last time.”

“Right, because you decided to make ice cream a part of our foreplay.”

He smiled a dark, delicious smile that told me he was remembering in exquisite detail exactly how he’d undone me the last time we’d attempted this. “Well, this time it’s just for eating.” He sat, pulling the tub towards him.

I stared at him. “You’re actually going to eat ice cream?”

“Yes.”

“Who are you?”

“I’m yours.” He glanced up at me, his gaze as clear and open as the sea we sailed on. He unfastened his cufflinks and tossed them onto the table. I shuddered remembering the things he’d done to me with those cufflinks. In fact they looked just like?—

“They’re the same ones,” he said, my breath catching as I caught his meaning. They were the same pair he’d used to clamp my nipples with. “I never wear any other kind now.”

Unfastening the buttons he rolled up his sleeves to tuck into his ice cream, revealing a bright blue ribbon, worn and frayed, tied around his wrist.

Alfie…

Right there, in that moment, something clicked into place, a knowledge that I was exactly where I was supposed to be…and I was ready. For everything. I was ready to jump.

Alfie gave me a questioning look. “Are you going to sit?”

“I—”

“Sir?” A man appeared, lean and with a dignified tilt to his chin, so quiet I hadn’t noticed him. “Mr Wood asked me to inform you that we will be anchoring shortly.”

“Thank you, Miles. Lola, this is Miles, he’s the head steward ofThe Isabella, if you need anything while you’re here just ask him. Miles, this is Lola O’Connell.”

I smiled at the man and offered my hand. He blinked in surprise before taking it. “Good to meet you, Madam.”

“You too and please call me Lola.” I paused, a thought occurring to me. “Actually, can you help me with something?”

“Of course.”

“Great.” I gestured to the door and he took the hint that this was a private matter. I turned to see a very worried Alfie looking at me.

“I’ll be right back.”

He nodded but as I turned away I saw his hand reach for the ribbon, rubbing it the way I did my necklace.

In the hallway, Miles was ever the professional as he showed me to Alfie’s quarters so I could find what I wanted. In the en suite, I changed quickly and let down my hair. I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling oddly self-conscious, but I knew Alfie would like it.

I was about to rush back to him when I spotted the shaving kit next to the sink. Without thinking, I opened it and took outthe scissors. I picked up my dress and a moment later, I held two strips of pale blue ribbon in my hand, cut from the hem.

My nerves awash with excitement, I hurried back to the cinema room.

I found Alfie scowling at the ice cream, one hand still wearing away at the worn out ribbon. The movie off and the screen in standby, displaying a dark night sky.

Alfie’s gaze heated as he took in my bare legs and the thin cotton of his t-shirt on my body.