Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 104729 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104729 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
“I’m good.”
“If you know what’s good for you, you will be there.”
I don’t acknowledge the threat in his words. They ring very clearly in the afternoon air.
I’m done with him.
I’ll be dressed and ready. And I’ll bide my time because although I might be stuck on this boat, I’ll make sure to find a way to tell my father not to fall for the trick. Let me die, but don’t come for me.
No matter what.
* * *
I spent hours outside. At some point, one of his men brings me a bottle of water and something to eat. It’s almost like being on vacation. Well, unless you consider that we are probably doing a gun run right now.
Who knows where we are going? All I know is as I sit in my towel with my damp hair falling down my back, I have to get ready to eat dinner with the enemy.
Normally, if I was somewhere else, I wouldn’t mind so much. At least he’s easy on the eyes.
Too easy if you ask me.
Personality-wise, he sucks. Sure, I see him and his men laugh every so often, so maybe he’s not bad with them, but with me, he’s my captor. Someone I have no interest in spending more time with.
Oh well, no use crying over spilled milk. I have no other choice, so I might as well put on my big girl panties. I look at the tiny scrap of lace Alaric has provided for me and chuckle. It’s certainly not what I think anyone had in mind when they came up with that sentence.
Once I finish putting on my makeup and blowing dry my hair, I stand from the vanity and put the underwear on and look for a dress.
He was spot-on in the size department.
A chill runs up my spine over that fact.
How long was he planning this? I had only been planning for a few days before I got stuck on this yacht.
As I stare at my reflection in the mirror, another idea pops into my brain.
Seduction.
It’s the one thing I haven’t tried yet.
It’s the only thing that can work.
I need to seduce Alaric.
Once I do, I’ll be able to look for George, maybe even find a way to get help.
But how?
If I come on too strong, he’ll know. But if I’m drunk …
That could work.
Squaring my shoulders in the scrap of a dress I’m wearing, I head toward the door that will lead me up to the main deck.
This has to work.
When I make it out of my room, I can hear the men speaking in the distance. I follow their voices. They are sitting in a different spot than usual. Now they are at the aft deck.
Stars illuminate the dark night sky. Alaric has scattered a few lights in the space for added ambiance.
Not for my sake, I’m sure.
These lights are probably left over from the party.
The party that set my fate in motion.
“Dove, to what do we owe this honor?” His tone is mocking.
Keep your cool. The plan won’t work if you blow up and throw something at him.
“I was bored,” I respond in my best nonchalant voice, hoping that I do nothing to give myself away.
“Then, by all means, let me and the boys entertain you.” A small smile tips his lips. It’s meant to be playful, but I can read through Alaric. This smile is anything but playful. This one is deadly.
I’m about to walk into hell, and the devil wants to play.
I square my shoulders and take the seat next to him. He lifts a brow. “You really must be bored if you want my company.”
“There are only so many ways I can keep myself entertained in my room every night.” I bite my lip; it’s a seductive move, but I play it off as coy. Then to seal the deal, I part my mouth and then roll my tongue over the now puffy skin.
His pupils widen as he watches the movement, and then he must think better of it, because he shakes his head, places his hand on the table, and stands. I know it hit its mark when he clears his throat. “What are you drinking?” he asks as he walks over to the bar.
“Vodka on the rocks.”
I watch his movements as he starts to make my drink. This is probably a bad idea, but in order for me to make a pass at him later, I need him to see me looking.
The problem is that’s he’s beautiful, dark, and elusive. A deadly combination, if I can’t keep my wits about me.
The tattoos on his forearms are on display. Again lethal. Those tattoos should come with a warning label. The desire to look away and stop gawking at him is intense, but I don’t. Instead, I’ve thrown myself into the ruse.