“Darius,” he said upon spotting me.
“Cedric, Marlene.”I tipped my head in greeting.“Have you found anything you’re interested in?”
“Oh yes,” Marlene said.“I could take home an armful, much to Cedric’s dismay.”She glanced across the room.“Excuse me, I have a question about some of the art.”She slipped away from us.
Perfect.I’d seize this moment to strike.I turned back to Cedric.“Enjoying the cruise?”
“Oh yes,” he said.“Wish I could say it was all pleasure, but I need to check on operations while I’m here.”
“It’s difficult not to think about business for the entire week,” I said with a smile.“And there’s something I wanted to discuss with you.”
“With me?”he asked in surprise.“I don’t know much about the bar operations.”
“No, but you oversee excursions, correct?”
“Yes.”
“That’s exactly what I wanted to discuss.”I stepped closer, just enough to command attention.“I have a proposal about a partnership that would benefit us both.”
I’d made the first move on this game board, one I intended to win.
Interest flickered in Cedric’s eyes.“How so?”
“You see, we offer tours of the distillery, a tasting experience, and of course, a spacious beach for passengers to enjoy.It’s perfect to add a new experience for Moonlight Siren passengers.”
* * *
The discussionwith Cedric went as I’d hoped.He’d shown interest.When I’d said I could send him a proposal this week, he’d said it would have to wait until after the new year, that he was here to spend time with his wife.
“Enjoy your time with Bria,” he’d said.“It’s the holidays and you’re on vacation.Work can wait.Now is the time to spend with your loved ones.”
The words hit harder than they should have.Loved ones.That wasn’t something I’d let myself imagine having again.
Until Bria.
Damn, I missed her already.But if I wanted a future with her, I needed to find a way to mesh our worlds.And why not start with bringing the ship that she worked on to my island?
Not wanting to overplay my hand, I said, “You’re absolutely right.After all, that’s why I’m here,” I lied.
My steps quickened as I walked up to meet her in the Celestial Lounge.How odd.I didn’t behave like this, hurrying at a rapid pace to get anywhere.It had only been a few hours since I’d last seen her, yet I couldn’t wait to be in her orbit again.Hold her in my arms again, wrap myself against her in my bed.The connection between us tugged at me like an invisible anchor.
Because she’s our mate, my dragon said.
You seem to like to remind me every chance you get.
Since you seem to be foolish about this, pushing for this precious deal when she’s more important.You can conduct business, make money in a thousand ways.We have only one mate.
I gritted my teeth.You talk too much.
The couple in front of me opened the door, and her radiant voice flowed out.She sang ”The Christmas Song” in her sultry voice, which struck me right beneath the heart.
When I stepped in, just seeing her on stage stole my breath.Her emerald-green dress drew out the bright green of her eyes and shimmered as she moved, caressing each luscious curve.My mouth watered in anticipation of kissing and tasting her again.
My dragon stirred, eager to move closer.Mate.
She turned in my direction as if sensing me there and her gaze found mine across the crowded room.Everything vanished—the music, the din of others around me.Her lips curved in a slow smile that undid me.The ship rocked and steadied all at once—or was it just me?
My mouth went dry and I swallowed.Yes, mate, I agreed.
