“I don’t exclude pleasure.”He flashed a flirtatious smile.
Of course not.Just like every other guy.
“What’s this business opportunity you’re pursuing?Another rum deal?”
“I’m dreaming bigger.”
“How so?”I asked, slightly intrigued.
“My distillery is on my private island.I already have a deal with a smaller ship, but the Moonlight Siren would be ideal.They add a stop on my island for a day excursion.Not only will we provide use of our beach and bar but a tour of the distillery.And the gift shop.”
“Ah,” I nodded, catching on.“More passengers mean more money.”
He smiled.“Exactly.”He ran his fingers over his glass of rum.“Win-win.Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Not exactly.”
He arched his brows.
“What’s in it for me?”
He leaned back and appraised me.“What do you want?”He cocked his head.“Money?”
Money was nice, but it could add a layer of ick to this arrangement.I had to think strategically.Since it was the holiday season and I was going to give to them anyway, I might as well make the most of it.
“Since you could be making a hefty profit from this arrangement, I’d like you to make a sizable donation to a charity of my choosing.”
He appraised me for several seconds.“Which one?”
I named one near my heart.“They rescue abandoned or orphaned shifter cubs.”A lump wedged in my throat, and I forced myself to swallow it down.
He gazed at me and his expression softened.“Done.”
I exhaled.That went easier than expected.I rolled my neck to loosen the tightness that rose when I’d mentioned the foundation.Memories of a difficult time rose and I quickly squashed them.Not the time.
Instead, I let my gaze roam over this devilish dragon’s face, down his cheekbones, his jawline, his mouth.His lips were full and chiseled, sinfully so.What would they feel like on mine?
Hmm.Flirting, I could do.It was light, carefree, without any promises or expectations.
Relationships?Nope.I lived on a cruise ship where different passengers came and went every week.
And mates?A commitment to one personforever?Not for this woman, no matter what my panther purred.
I swirled my drink.“So how do we play this?”
Darius leaned back but kept his steady gaze on me.“Tomorrow after the Christmas tree lighting on the main deck, they’re having a rum tasting in the Nocturnal Lounge.Can you make it?”
“Yes.I’m supposed to sing a song at the lighting.”
“Perfect.I’ll meet you near the tree.”He nodded.“Cedric is sailing this week with his wife, and I’d bet they’ll be there.We’ll smile.Flirt.Act like we missed each other and can’t keep our hands off each other.”
“Flirt and act.I can manage that,” I said with a nod.“It will also give me time to find the witch who cast the spell and ask if she had a little mishap.”
He studied me for several seconds as if wondering if that were possible.“We need to know each other better.”
“Hmm, not easy since we just met.”
“The basics, at least,” he said.“Where we’re from.Where we met.How long we’ve been dating.”
