Page 91 of Trigger Happy Ending

“Carson, good to see you. You good, man?”

“Never better,” Carson announces, gesturing to the ocean behind him. “Glad you could make it. Hope you’re ready for a good time?"

Soren's—no, Lukas's—gaze shifts to me. His eyes drag over my body, like a weighted blanket, taking in every inch of my sun-kissed skin. His tongue skims across his bottom lip before his eyes meet mine again.

But I know that look.

It screams he might bend me over this railing right this second, and have his way with me.

He swallows hard. "Yep."

Carson grins, probably getting off on the sexual tension and what that means for his bottom line. “Crew will show you to your quarters. Angel, maybe you could help Lukas get settled?”

I smile sweetly and loop my arm through Soren's. “I’d love to.”

“Once you’re settled,” Carson says, “I’ll see you both tonight for a cocktail party you won't forget.”

“See you then,” I say.

A young crew member named Noah appears and leads us inside the yacht.

The shift is immediate. One second it’s sun and warm air, the next it’s cool, air-conditioned stillness as we make our way inside and below deck, down to where the bedrooms are. Noah chatters the whole way down, pointing out the bar, the lounge spaces, and emergency exits. I tune most of it out.

Finally, we arrive at Soren's cabin. Noah opens the door and steps aside for us.

The room is incredible.

Soft lighting glows against cream walls and olive green paneling. The bed is enormous and plush, immaculately made in crisp white linen. There's no less than eight throw cushions which is overkill. What the hell are you supposed to do with that many cushions? Seems totally excessive, but then again, we are on Carson's mega yacht.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood one side, the ocean beyond breathtaking and endless. There’s an adjoining en suite too. Noah gives us the tour and explains how to use the remotes, and all the boring shit that I tune out. I stand in the middle of the room and wait until Noah leaves, closing the door behind him.

Soren and I stand in the cabin, looking at each other. Finally alone.

“Hi, Lukas,” I say, deliberating using his alias.

“Angel.”

“Feeling good?”

“Great.”

I’m not sure why it’s awkward between us. I can only surmise a guess that Soren’s in character, committed to the bit.

“Great.”

I smooth the fabric of my pleated skirt, then adjust my skin tight tee for no reason other than needing something to do with my hands.

“I spoke to O again.”

Okay. I read that wrong. Absolutely not in character if he is referencing O.

My fingers fall away from clothes.

“And?”

“And, he thinks this time next week, we’re done. It’ll be all over.”

“Oh.”