Page 9

I walk the ramp to get back to the ship, feeling like I’m leaving a dream behind. Yes, I know it’s crazy and that there’s also a big chance this feeling is the result of my neediness, but what if it’s more? What if, out of fear, I kept myself from living something incredible?

The crew greets me as I walk in. There are about three hours left before the ship leaves, so instead of heading straight to the tiny cabin to drop off the bags of souvenirs, I head out to the deck to watch the sea.

Some people talk to me, and I recognize a guest here and there, but I avoid eye contact because I’m not used to initiating conversation and I want to be alone and think about today.

I lean on my elbows against the railing and watch the sea.

I’m an adult now, but I haven’t experienced anything yet. Would it be stupid to engage in something purely physical with that gorgeous Greek?

God, his kiss swept me off the floor. The force of his lips against mine, the urgency, and the way his body, without forcing or saying anything, made me surrender to the desire.

What would it be like to have someone like that as a boyfriend?

The problem is, he doesn’t want a girlfriend. As far as I could gather, he was looking for an afternoon of sex, and that just doesn’t fit in my life.

“Are you going to the crew party tonight?”

I turn to see who spoke to me. It’s one of the first-class waiters who’s never greeted me before. In fact, I’ve only seen him twice so far. “Hey. What party?”

“Yeah, this is the last port before we head home. You’re American, too, right?”

“Yes, I am.”

“This is my tenth trip, and before we reach the last port, there’s always a fun party just for the crew.”

It takes me no time to realize two things: I don’t like the way he says that, much less the way he looks at me like I’m a piece of meat. In fact, I don’t think I like him at all. The whole thing.

“I didn’t know about any parties,” I deflect, partly because it’s true and partly because I don’t want to be in the same place as this guy.

“It will be a lot more fun if you go, . There’ll be some recreational substances there to make everything colorful.”

Am I crazy, or did he just insinuate that there are drugs on the ship?

“Huh. . . okay. I’ll think about that,” I lie. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I start to walk away, but he grabs my arm.

“Nothing to think about, girl. Don’t be silly. Our parties are unmatched.”

I free myself with a tug and take two steps back. “You already said what you wanted, and I understand. Don’t touch me again, or I’ll report you to the captain.”

To my surprise, the threat makes him laugh. “Good luck with that,” he says cryptically.

I walk away from the insufferable man, pissed as hell that he ruined the rest of my afternoon.

I head straight for the cabin, thinking I’ll shower and get some rest. When I arrive, the first thing I see is that the place is a mess. Tamara’s clothes are scattered everywhere.

I leave my bags on the bed and head to the tiny bathroom with my phone in hand. Ten minutes later, I hear voices coming from the bedroom .

Did Tamara bring someone to our cabin? I know she’s dated some guys from the crew, and I don’t judge her, but we agreed that she wouldn’t do that where we sleep.

I thank God I brought the dress and panties I’m going to wear. I usually do this because she’s a little flighty. One time, she arrived when I was getting dressed and just left the door wide open for a few minutes, which allowed someone who was passing by to see me almost naked. Since then, I haven’t changed clothes in the bedroom.

I dress quickly, but when I’m ready to step out, I hear what sounds like groans.

I hesitate, unable to believe this is happening. There’s no way she’s having sex in our dorm, but the sounds don’t leave much to the imagination.

God, what do I do now?

I’m not a baby, but I don’t want to witness live porn either.

I take a deep breath and try to think of an escape plan. Then I open the door and start to leave the room as quickly as I can.

But when I do, I get sick from what I see.

My bag is on the bed, so there is no way they didn’t know I was there. Did they do it on purpose?

Tamara is kneeling and performing oral sex on the captain, who, as far as I can tell, has barely unzipped his pants. It doesn’t look like an act between two people in love but rather something vile and sickening to my stomach.

Without looking at them again, I head for the exit, forgetting my bag and thinking about disappearing as quickly as I can. When I turn the knob, however, the door doesn’t open.

I turn the latch and manage to unlock it, but it doesn’t take me long to realize that there’s someone outside preventing me from getting out.

My hands are sweaty from fear, and when I look back, they’re both watching me, smiling.

“Party time,” the disgusting man says. “Get rid of that chaste look, girl. I know you were on the ship’s upper deck without authorization, so guess what? A diamond necklace from one of the guests disappeared that same night. You have two options: kneel down and satisfy me with that beautiful mouth of yours or be accused of stealing in a foreign country.”

I’m terrified, but I’d rather be arrested than obey him. They would have to kill me first.

I run to the bathroom and lock the door, thinking about the only person who could help me.

Xander Megalos.

I look for his name on my contacts list, feeling my heart pounding in my ear.

I almost faint when he answers on the second ring.

“Xander?”

“Who’s this? ”

“It’s me, .”

“ ? ”

“Yes. I need help. I’m locked inside the bathroom of my cabin . . . The captain and my roommate . . . won’t let me out.”