Axel, who’s obviously been listening in, steps in smoothly. “Thanks for the offer, but we’re good,” he says with a smile.
Lance shrugs, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. “Suit yourselves. If you change your mind…” He shrugs and gets up from his seat, rejoining his friend on the couch, the two of them chatting and laughing as if he hadn’t just left me reeling.
I glance at Axel, who’s still smiling.
“I… I think I need some air,” I say.
Axel nods, concern etched on his face as he stands up. “Of course. Let’s get out of here.”
I excuse myself, heading towards the exit. As I step outside, I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I quicken my pace, hurrying away from the martini bar and my mixed-up feelings.
The sound of Axel’s footsteps echo behind me. “Kyle, wait!”
I slow down, allowing him to catch up as we find ourselves in the elevator lobby. I stab the button.
Axel reaches for my hand, his touch gentle. “Hey, are you okay?”
I take a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. “I’m sorry. I just… I wasn’t expecting that. It caught me off guard.”
His brow furrows. “You don’t have to apologise. I’m just sorry you found the situation uncomfortable.”
I shake my head, squeezing his hand. “It’s not your fault. I guess I’m just not used to this kind of thing. You’re probably used to it all the time.”Of course, he is!He’s worldly and experienced, nothing like me.
Axel pulls me closer. “Kyle—”
Brian appears beside us. I step back, and Axel grabs for my hand.
“How about we take this conversation back to your cabin, okay? I could do with a cup of coffee. What do you say?”
I find myself nodding.
Chapter Fifteen
Axel
IfollowKyledownthe narrow corridor towards his cabin. When we reach his door, Kyle swipes his card, pushes it open, and strides inside without a word. I catch the door and hold it open, waving Brian off with a promise to message him when I’m leaving. Once he’s gone, I hesitate for a heartbeat before crossing the threshold into his Kyle’s private space.
The cabin is small but tidy. There’s a slim couch, a tiny desk, a queen-size bed, and a glass sliding door through to the balcony. Kyle stands at the door, hands clenched at his sides, shoulders tense. It’s dark outside, the moon lending a faint glow to the black ocean.
“Hey,” I say softly, “What’s going on? Talk to me.”
For a moment I think he isn’t going to turn but then he faces me. There’s a look on his face I can’t quite decipher, but it makes my heart ache.
“Did that guy say something else to you? Were you upset about the threesome?”
“No! I’m not a prude, at least I don’t think I’m a prude.Fuck!How the hell would I know? I’ve had more experience with my right hand than with anything else. For all I know, I mightlovea threesome.” He begins to pace the tiny cabin. “Each to their own is my philosophy. Whatever floats your boat so long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. But that’s not the point. This isn’t about sex.”
“It isn’t?”
He stops and faces me. “No!”
“Explain it to me then.” My heart goes out to him. He looks so vulnerable.
“I can’t do this,” he says, raking a hand through his hair. “This whole cruise thing, being around all these people, trying to fit in… it’s too much. I feel like a fish out of water.”
“Kyle, listen to me.” I keep my voice steady and reassuring. “You don’t have to change who you are or pretend to be someone you’re not.”
He sighs and waves a dismissive hand. “They’re all… they’re comfortable, laughing and having fun. I overthink everything. I’m awkward and I have no idea what I’m doing and it shows.”
