“Something did happen. And more somethings are bound to, if safety measures aren’t put in place.”
“The Grants will be in touch with you. I’m sure there’ll be a reward of some sort.”
He stood and swung around, Peyton’s legs dangling over his right arm, her head over his left. “If you wanta reward me, make sure I don’t have to do my real-life job anymore while I’m on this fantasy cruise.”
* * * *
“Oh God. I’m never drinking again.” Peyton sang the tune of all drunks since the beginning of time. He’d heard it before, sung it too.
She seemed to be alert enough now, maybe a little puffy-faced, and she knuckled away a tear now and then. The doc had checked her out and deemed her “lucky.”
“So.” He cleared his throat. “Listen. It’d be fine with me if you wanted to come hang out with me in my room. Just, you know…to make sure you’re okay. You probably shouldn’t be alone.”
She gave him a weak smile. “You saved me. That means you’re my hero, right? A big, strong hero, who wants me to spend the night with him. Maybe the doctor was right and I am lucky.” She licked her lips–probably trying for sexy, but with eye makeup smeared clear down her cheek, it turned out looking more psychotic. “Actually, what time is it?”
“It’s almost ten. Why, you got a date?” he teased.
“I turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of twelve.” She sat up. “Thanks, but I’d better get back to my room and rest. Got an early morning tomorrow.”
“Early morning? You planning on going ahead with your roster?”
She shrugged. “Who hasn’t survived a bad drunk, right? But maybe…we could get together, huh? I’ll see you in the lounge for breakfast. And hey, thanks.” She pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Hero.”
Hero. The word echoed in his ears all the way back to his room.
Chapter 16
Midnight, and they were just heading back to the suite. Brett leaned against the elevator wall and pulled Vic close to his side. “Long fucking day, eh, love?”
She sighed, then reached down and removed her shoes. With them dangling from her hand, she wrapped her arms around his torso. “Too long. Somebody needs to tell your friend the prince he’s only royalty in the UK. Everywhere else, he’s just a spoiled punk.”
He smiled at the thought. Perhaps a good backhand would be more in order, though. “Royalty or no, next time the little bastard tries to feel you up on the dance floor, he’ll be needing to see the royal dentist for a smashed mouth.”
She shook her head against his collarbone. “Tomorrow we’re calling in sick–to everything. We can see what’s going on around the ship, and nobody needs us.”
The lift stopped, and they got off.
Vic was so adept at redirecting the conversation. Probably for the best, though. Not much good came of jealousy. Which reminded him. “Why did that bugger Gil touch you this afternoon?”
She stopped at their door and put her hands on her hips. “That bugger Gil is our helicopter pilot. He saw the mark on my neck.”
“No part of his job description includes touching the proprietors.” Nosy, staring fuck. Gil was another bloke about to get a mouthful of fist.
He keyed in the code and held the door for Vic.
“In case you hadn’t noticed, Gil has a boyfriend. So cool your jets. Anyway, how can you possibly still act like a jealous fool?”
David sprawled, sleeping, across the sofa, the TV playing the action scene of Ghost.
Vic put her finger to her lips to shush him, and they crept to the bedroom.
“I suppose that puts the brakes on any wild plans this evening.” Brett loosened his tie. “Probably as well. I’m so bushed, the kid would likely show me up.”
Vic dropped her shoes inside the closet and untied the top of her dress. “I’m pretty raw. Maybe some recovery time would be good.”
He pulled her against him, rubbed his thumbs under her eyes. “Vic? Is this all right with you still? It’s not too much?” She hadn’t lost all control yet, as he’d hoped she would. It seemed she enjoyed the antics, but perhaps it was for his benefit. “Is this what you want, love?”
She looked away briefly, then met his eyes again. “Yes.”
Worried. What was it this time? “If you decide it’s not, all you have to do is tell me. We’ll be done.” Much as he loved watching her with David, much as he liked having David around, he’d not force her past her comfort zone.
Her lips pursed and she squeezed him tight. “I know.”
“Right, then. I’ll go fetch us a bottle of water and turn off the telly. Join you in a moment?”