Page 119 of Abundance of Obsession

Darkside. That’s the name of the yacht we’re approaching. So fitting.

Damien lets me go first, and we climb the stairs onto the deck. Then he gives orders to his crew. After a short while, they toss the mooring lines onto the deck. My nerves get the better of me.

“Are we setting sail?”

I’m foolish now.

“Yes. I hope you don’t get seasick. We won’t go far, just far enough to be alone, to have a romantic dinner.”

This doesn’t sit well with me. Being on the water makes me feel unsafe, with no way out.

It’s too late now.

The boat hums softly as we pull away from the harbor and head out into open water. Under different circumstances, I would think it was lovely.

Damien’s phone interrupts us. He glances at the screen. “Sorry. I have to take this.”

He walks a few steps into the depths of the yacht, and I allow myself to breathe more easily. Dusk is falling, and the city lights twinkle in the distance. We’re leaving everything behind: the city, the hustle and bustle, the problems, all the people.

“Sorry. It was the boss,” Damien explains.

“The boss? At this hour?”

“Yes, Aisling is demanding. But I like my job. You could say I find fulfillment in it.” His arms wrap around my waist when he stops behind me. I’m grateful he can’t see my face.

For the first time, the name of Ryker’s sister has passed his lips. But that isn’t what puts me on high alert. He said she was his boss. Their suspicions were true. What I’d heard about guarding her around the clock, her being used as a hostage…

It wasn’t about her. Fuck.

“Let’s go up to the upper deck; dinner’s waiting.”

With my head full of swirling thoughts, I follow Damien.

The upper deck is lit by hanging lamps, creating a romantic mood. A round table set for two occupies the center.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper. “Thank you, Damien, for bringing me here.”

“You’re welcome, my beautiful.”

Dinner is delicious. The conversation drifts to trivial topics. Every time I try to steer it toward something meaningful, I hit a wall.

Why did I agree to this last meeting? What else was I looking for? What kind of confirmation for myself?

The news about Aisling is valuable; I won’t deny it. There’s no doubt Ryker heard everything. But I had a different idea.

“I have a gift for you,” Damien says at the end of dinner.

He pulls a small box out of his pocket and places it in front of me. With a smile, I pretend to be surprised, yet charmed by the gesture.

I lift the lid. Inside, on a white cushion, are pearl earrings.

“They’re beautiful. Thank you, but you didn’t have to.”

“It’s impossible not to notice you always wear the same earrings and necklace. I figured I’d surprise you. See how they look.”

He noticed. Damn it. This isn’t good.

My body goes on high alert.