“Clarity saves everyone time,” I add, forcing neutrality into my voice. “No confusion. No mess.”
“That’s the difference between leadership and chaos,” Reed says.
“Funny,” Slater’s voice cuts in calmly from behind us. “I’ve met plenty of Alphas who call their control leadership when it’s really just insecurity.”
I turn.
He’s standing near the helm, arms folded loosely across his chest, expression unreadable. He isn’t looking at Reed. He’s looking at me.
Reed lets out a short laugh. “Control isn’t insecurity. It’s responsibility.”
Slater shrugs slightly. “Depends on whether the person you’re controlling actually asked for it.”
Silence stretches.
Reed’s mouth tightens. “Some people don’t know what’s good for them.”
Slater’s gaze flicks briefly to him, then back to the water. “That’s usually what people say when they’re afraid of being told no.”
Reed doesn’t respond, just turns back to his line, jaw tight.
And I’m left standing there, phone in hand, heart beating too fast.
Because Slater isn’t angry.
He isn’t raising his voice.
But he heard enough.
Jasper appears from wherever he was, clearly sensing the tension, his expression wary.
Slater’s eyes are locked on me, and I’ve never seen him look this angry. Not even this morning when I was late.
“You know what?” Slater says, his voice deadly calm. “Why don’t you take a break, Ash? Go focus on photos elsewhere on the boat. I’m sure you can find something worth capturing.”
“Actually,” Reed says, stepping forward with that condescending smile. “I think the boy should speak his mind. Freedom of expression and all that. If he wants to explore these ideas, who are you to stop him?”
“I’m his boss,” Slater snaps. “And on my boat, we don’t entertain toxic bullshit.”
Reed laughs. “My dear man, I’m simply stating biological facts. If that makes you uncomfortable, perhaps you’re the one with the problem.”
Jasper’s hands curl into fists. And I know with absolute certainty that I made the right decision to focus on Reed instead of these men.
Because these Alphas are good—fundamentally, bone-deep good.
And Reed is everything wrong with the world.
“I’ll just go inside,” I mutter, heading for the salon doors.
I hear Slater following, his footsteps heavy on the deck, and my heart starts racing. He follows me into the salon and shuts the doors firmly behind us.
Through the windows, I spot Jasper immediately engaging Reed and Rex in conversation about fishing techniques, being professional even though he clearly wants to throw both clients overboard.
Slater turns to face me, and the fury in his eyes makes me take a step back.
“Maybe I had you all wrong, Ash.” His voice is low, but the anger simmers underneath. “But that bullshit I heard out there? That doesn’t belong in my business. What the fuck, man? Why are you sucking up to a dickhead like that? Are you seriously desperate to be like him?”
“I was just curious about whether he was legit,” I start, scrambling for an excuse that doesn’t expose my real intentions.
