4. Chapter Three
Chapter Three
Lillian
The smell of salty ocean mist fills my lungs as I drift out of the martini bar with James. Any sight of dry land is long gone and there’s a party atmosphere onboard the ship as the sky above us darkens.
“Where to now?” James asks, his hands shoved in his pockets as he takes one giant stride to my three steps.
I glance at my watch, the warmth of three martinis flooding my veins. “I should probably head back to my cabin and get some-”
James grabs my wrist and spins around in front of me, his giant frame oozing the elegance of a figure skater. “Oh no, no, no. It’s the first night on our rejuvenating vacation, Lillian.”
I pin him with raised brows. “Lillian?”
He shrugs those big round shoulders. “It felt like a ‘Lillian’ moment.”
I shake my head and laugh him off. “Okay… what do you want to do then?”
He looks around and I can almost feel the wheels turning inside that beautiful head of his. Those sharp, vivid eyes search the deck, eventually landing on me, making my whole body shiver with the intensity of his gaze.
Just seeing him like this – standing there in his collared shirt, sleeves rolled up his tattooed arms, shining blue eyes that ask so many questions with just one look – my body is craving him. My head is all light and I’m a bit breathless standing in such a strong and commanding presence.
“I’ve got an idea,” he says, eyes lighting up. “I saw something in my cabin earlier…”
“Your penthouse, you mean?”
He grins and the sight makes me fucking melt.
He’s so big. So sexy and masculine. He towers over me, like my very own personal protector. Those biceps are big enough to fight off the Hulk himself.
He’s everything Logan wasn’t. Whoa . That’s the first time since I’ve been with James that I’ve even thought about my ex. That’s gotta be some kind of record for me.
“Hey, like I said,” James says, holding his hands up as a sign of innocence. “You’re welcome to visit my penthouse anytime you like, Angel.”
Angel? Oh God, why is he doing this to me?
“Where are we going, mister?” I ask, unable to stop wanting this man more and more by the minute.
He reaches out, his thick fingers splitting mine as his big hand swallows mine. “You’ll see.”
I can only move my legs so fast as James speeds ahead of me, dragging me along behind him. Before I know it, we’re inside The Stellar Sky Lounge and the place is buzzing.
The sound of laughter and off-key singing fills the air, and I share a look with James.
“Karaoke? You brought me to a karaoke bar?”
He grins with amusement. “You don’t have to sing. It’ll just be fun to watch.”
I glance around, taking in the neon lights that dance along the ceiling and the sleek, modern decor that gives the lounge a futuristic vibe. Despite the noise and the crowd, there’s something comforting about this place, like it’s designed for fun and letting go – making it the perfect place for me right now.
We settle into a plush-seated booth that faces the stage, and James is quick to get the waitress to bring us some drinks. I’m still feeling the slight buzz from the martinis, but I don’t let that stop me from grabbing the vodka lime the moment it hits the table.
It’s been years since I’ve felt this light, this… free.
Maybe it’s the cruise…Or maybe it’s the hunky wall of muscle sitting so close to me.
He leans back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the small stage where a brave passenger is belting out a slightly off-tune rendition of the classic rock song, ‘ Livin’ on a Prayer’ . I should be cheering and applauding the gallant effort of the singer on stage, but I can’t take my eyes off James.
The confidence in his posture, the easy way he carries himself—it’s magnetic. I can’t help but be drawn to him, even though my mind is screaming at me to keep my distance.
“You ever do karaoke?” he asks, turning to me with a playful smile that makes my heart skip a beat.
My eyes drop to his lips and my mouth waters. I wonder what it would be like to kiss him? His facial hair looks rough and prickly, but I think I would like that.
I laugh softly, shaking my head of any inappropriate thoughts. “Not a chance. I’m more of a spectator than a performer.”
He raises an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth quirking up. “Come on, Lily. I bet you’ve got a great voice hidden in there somewhere.”
I feel my cheeks warm under his gaze. “I don’t think so. I’ll leave the singing to the professionals—or the overly confident.”
“Or the tipsy,” he adds with a chuckle, nodding toward the stage where another passenger has just taken the mic, swaying slightly as they prepare to sing.
I laugh, relaxing into the banter between us.
A new tune starts to play and I’m already placing it as a 90s punk rock sound. The drunk guy on stage forgets the first line and there’s a chorus of booing from the amused crowd. It’s hilarious and he’s dragged from the stage by his friends who humiliate him even further.
James laughs loudly and I can’t help but stare at him. There’s something so easy about being around James, despite the way he makes my pulse race with every look, every almost touch.
It’s easy. Almost… too easy. Perhaps that’s what scares me the most. After everything I’ve been through, I’ve come here to build those walls around myself high and fucking strong – unbreakable.
But James… he’s making me want to let those walls down before I’ve even set the foundations in.
And that terrifies me.
As the night goes on, we continue to watch the karaoke performances, our conversation flowing effortlessly. I learn that James has a wicked sense of humor, and he’s not afraid to tease me, which only makes me laugh more. It’s friendly banter and fun that I’ve never had with a guy friend before. And I’m quickly realizing that laughter is something I’ve been missing for a long time.
“So, you’re really not going to sing?” he asks again, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
I shake my head, grinning. “Absolutely not. But I’ll happily cheer you on if you decide to go up there.”
He leans closer, and I can feel the heat radiating from his body. “Is that a challenge, Angel?”
The way he says that name sends a shiver down my spine. “Maybe it is, Commander Marshall.”
His eyes darken at the sound of his title, and for a moment, the air between us crackles with tension. Those hungry eyes drop to my mouth and I’m biting down on my bottom lip, just waiting for him.
I want him to kiss me. I want him to do a lot more than that.
Just as I think he’s about to lean in even closer, but then, without another word, he stands up, offering me a wink before heading toward the stage.
I watch him go, my heart pounding in my chest.
Jesus Christ. I’m so gone for this man. He’s so confident, so sure of himself, and it’s incredibly sexy. I can’t take my eyes off him as he steps up to the mic, the spotlight catching the sharp angles of his jaw and the hint of a smile on his lips.
When the music starts, I’m taken aback by how effortlessly he commands the stage. I’m also shocked at his song choice. ‘ Iris’ has always been a favorite of mine, ever since I heard it for the first time in high school.
And James is smashing it.
His deep, rich voice fills the room, smooth and sure, hitting every note with precision. The crowd cheers him on, and I can’t help but join in, clapping and smiling like a fool. There’s something so captivating about watching him up on the stage—this strong, intense man letting loose and enjoying himself. It’s a side of him I didn’t expect.
When the song ends, James grins at the applause, taking a mock bow before making his way back to me. My heart is still racing, my body humming with an excitement I haven’t felt in so long.
“Oh my God, James! That was amazing,” I say excitedly, my voice a little breathless as he sits down beside me and grabs his drink, taking a big mouthful and letting out a satisfied exhale.
He shrugs, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Thanks. I’m just disappointed you didn’t join me.”
“I’m afraid you’re stuck with me as a cheerleader,” I reply, smiling.
James leans in closer, his eyes locking onto mine. I swallow hard as he takes up my space, towering over me with his huge body. Suddenly the laughter and noise of the lounge fade into the background.
It’s just us. Sitting in this dimly lit corner, all alone.
“I could get used to that,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough, sending a delicious shiver down my spine.
My breath catches as his hand brushes against mine on the table, the contact sending sparks through my skin. His touch is warm, firm, and it makes me feel like I’m on fire.
I should pull away, remind myself that I’m here to get away from men. That I need to be careful and start making better choices.
But I can’t.
I’m drawn to James. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
“Lily,” he whispers, my name a caress on his lips. “I’ve wanted to do this since the moment I saw you.”
Before I can respond, his hand moves to cup the back of my neck, pulling me toward him. And then his lips are on mine, firm and insistent, and the world around us dissolves.
The kiss is everything I’ve been craving all night. It’s intense, passionate, and completely overwhelming.
James’s hand tightens in my hair, and I gasp against his mouth, my body arching into his. The taste of him has me clawing at his hard chest. It’s a mix of whiskey and something distinctly him. It’s so sexy, so amazingly beautiful that I need more.
When he finally pulls back, I’m breathless, my heart pounding in my ears. His eyes are dark, filled with a desire that mirrors my own. That magical tongue has turned my body to mush, and I know that there’s no going back from this.
And that’s what scares me.
Because as much as I want this, want him, I can’t forget why I’m here. I can’t forget that I’m running, that I’m trying to find myself again. And getting involved with a man like James… it’s risky. Too risky.
I fight the urges in my mind, but then he pulls me back in for another kiss, deeper and more demanding than the first. Fuck. Who am I kidding? It’s already too late. I’m in too deep, and there’s no turning back now.
His hand trails down my arm, sending shivers across my skin, and I can’t help but respond. He moans into my mouth and I swallow it down as I pull at his shirt. I want to see beneath this thin piece of fabric, see those muscles and tattoos that have been tempting me all night.
The rest of the lounge fades away—no more karaoke, no more noise, just the feel of his lips on mine and the heat pooling low in my belly.
When he finally pulls away again, his breathing is ragged, his forehead resting against mine.
“Lily,” he murmurs, his voice rough with need. “I want more… so much more.”
I swallow hard, my mind spinning. “James, I…”
He pulls back just enough to look into my eyes, his expression softening. “It’s okay. We’ll take this at your pace, Lily. But know this—I’m not going anywhere. With you, my sweet Angel, I’m all in.”
His words make my chest tighten, and I can’t stop the flood of emotions that rush through me. Fear, excitement, and desire are all tangled together in a knot that makes it hard to breathe.
I take a deep breath, nodding slowly. “Okay, James. But I need time.”
He smiles, brushing a soft kiss across my forehead. “I’ve got all the time in the world for you, Lily.”
He pulls me across the booth, holding me in those big, strong arms as the night stretches on. We stay there for hours, talking, laughing, and stealing kisses that make my pussy ache. No one has ever done this to me, let alone do it in less than a day.
The question is, how long will he stay around when I tell him I’ve never been with a man before?