6. Chapter Five
Chapter Five
Lillian
James grips my hand tightly as we follow the crowd towards the buffet breakfast. I’m still in my sweaty workout attire, and my body is reeling from what just happened in the steam room.
The way James touched me, kissed me, like he couldn’t get enough of my body. I’ve never felt so wanted before. My core is still pulsing with the need for more, but we’ve been turned back by the ship’s staff.
We were on our way to the penthouse, and I was ready to let him take me, to finish what we started.
Then, the announcement that a storm is approaching shifted everything.
I was about to give myself to this man, and maybe, just maybe, this is a sign that I’m not ready.
“Are you ok?” James asks, looking down at me with those beautiful kind eyes.
I nod and grip his hand tighter. “Yeah.”
James was the one who suggested we grab breakfast first, to fuel up just in case the storm is as bad as they’re predicting. There’s a flicker of concern in his eyes as we stand in line, and considering he’s a Navy Commander, I’m starting to get nervous about the prospect of a storm on the seas.
We grab some toast and cereal, find a table and I settle down across from James. He starts eating, those big shoulders moving as he devours two bowls of muesli, a piece of jam toast and two glasses of orange juice.
He’s done in five minutes flat, relaxing back and sipping his coffee. His composure should put me at ease, but the thought of being surrounded by miles of churning ocean water, with no land in sight, has me on edge.
The dining room is buzzing with energy, but I barely notice the chatter and clinking of silverware as I sit there staring at my bowl of oats. The news of the approaching storm has settled like a weight in my chest, and I can’t help but focus on that sinking feeling.
I’m trying my best to hide it, but James being the kind, caring man he is, notices.
“Hey,” he says softly, reaching across the table to grab my hand. “You’re safe, Lily. It’s just a storm. Ships like this are built to combat nature at its worst.”
I nod, swallowing hard. “I know, it’s just a little overwhelming. I grew up in the mountains, and I’ve seen how damaging storms can be there. It’s different here, I feel so exposed on the water.”
His thumb strokes the back of my hand. “I get it. But trust me, the crew knows what they’re doing. I’ve seen a lot in the Navy, and you know what? We always make it through.”
I look up at him, smiling at his confidence. “You don’t talk about being in the Navy much.”
He shrugs and my body shivers at the way his eyes dart around the room, contemplating everything around him. ‘It’s not something I’m used to bringing up. I don’t mind sharing, though. The bits I’m allowed to share, that is.”
I smile. “Oooo… A man of mystery. How sexy.”
He narrows his heated eyes on me, and I’m reminded of how he made me feel only an hour ago. Those big, strong arms holding me, his sexy mouth making me feel so damn good. It was everything and in the moment I would have done anything to make him feel as good as he was making me feel.
“I joined the Navy right out of high school,” James continues, his voice low and steady, commanding my attention in a way I imagine his crew feel every day. “It was something I always knew I’d do. My father and grandfather were both Navy men, and it felt like a calling.”
“You grew up around it? What was that like?”
He leans back in the chair, his eyes casting around the room as he considers my question.
“It was awesome,” he says, smiling distantly. “Dad would come home on leave and tell me and my brother about his missions. The places he had been. The things he’d seen and done. It was like living with a real-life hero.”
I listen intently, captivated by the strength and courage in his words. There’s a depth to this man that I hadn’t fully grasped before, a dedication that goes beyond charm and rugged good looks. He’s a man who’s seen things, experienced things that have shaped him into this wonderful, protective man.
“But what about you? I didn’t know you grew up in the mountains,” James says, warm eyes locking on mine in a way that makes my skin heat under his gaze.
“Yep. I’m a small town girl. Misty Peaks is a few hours from where we left port, but I don’t know if I’ll go back there…”
James stares at me for a minute too long. He’s reading my words, and it doesn’t take him long to start putting everything together.
“That’s where you’re running from. But that’s your home?”
I nod, my heart pounding. I haven’t thought about Misty Peaks since pretty much the moment I stepped on board and met James. It’s been nice.
“It was my home. It’s where I grew up, where I thought I’d spend my life.”
“What happened then?” James asks, his expression serious.
I take a deep breath, the memories suddenly rushing back like the growing waves crashing around the ship. “I had a job, friends, family… and a relationship. But that relationship became suffocating. And I ended it.”
James’ eyes darken, a flicker of protectiveness flashing across his face. “What did he do? Did he hurt you? Because I’ll-”
I squeeze his hand and shake my head. “He didn’t hurt me. Not physically, anyway. He wanted to dictate every part of my life, and as time went on, it just became too much. Too controlling. It got to the point where I didn’t feel like myself anymore, so I ended it.”
“And that’s why you’re here? On this cruise?”
I nod again, feeling the weight of the truth settle between us. “Yes. I needed to get away. He wanted me back and wouldn’t leave me alone, so I escaped to a place I knew he couldn’t reach me.”
James reaches across the table, his large hand enveloping mine. “He won’t touch you ever again. And if you want to live in Misty Peaks, then you damn well do that.” He squeezes my hand again, looking in my eyes with such sincerity. “I’m here for you whenever you need it, Lily. No matter what.”
I smile and feel my cheeks heat behind a blush.
James looks at me like I’m the most important person in the world. He makes me feel something I haven’t felt in such a long time, if ever. I could easily fall for this man, I know it deep within my soul.
As I start to imagine what that might look like, the moment is interrupted by the announcement that everyone needs to head inside. The storm is approaching fast and it’s not safe to be on deck. My heart starts to race again, the sense of unease creeping back in, making my stomach churn.
“Let’s head to your cabin,” James says, noticing my shift in demeanor.
“My cabin? What about the penthouse?”
He shakes his head. “No windows in your cabin, right? It’ll help you feel more secure.”
I nod and follow behind him, grateful for his understanding. The thought of being in a small, enclosed space, unable to see the storm raging outside does make me feel a bit better.
By the time we reach my door, the ship is swaying like I haven’t felt it since I stepped onboard. The walls are creaking and the lights flickering ever so slightly. James’ huge frame fills my cabin and the space feels smaller with him here.
“Why don’t we play some cards?” James suggests, pulling a deck from his pocket with a gleaming smile. “Grabbed them from the lounge area on the way.”
I smile. “Great idea. But I should warn you, I’m pretty competitive.”
“Bring it on.”
We settle on the small bed and lay out the cards. We spend half an hour playing games, laughing and joking as the storm rages somewhere beyond the walls of the room. But as the game progresses, the playful atmosphere shifts.
My body shivers as I roam my eyes down his hard, muscular body. He’s wearing that shirt that was all sweaty this morning. I recall the way the sweat made the fabric cling to his hard pecs. He’s so fucking hot.
James deals another round and I shift closer, allowing for more ‘accidental’ touches. Our knees touch and I make sure our hands do every now and then too. My heart pounds, and I’m aware of how close we are. When our eyes finally lock, I can see that James has that same longing, the same thoughts racing around in his head as I do.
“Lily,” he says softly, his husky voice a gentle murmur. “Come here.”
Without even thinking, I move closer, the cards forgotten as I lean in. His hands come up to cup my cheek, his touch gentle but firm. He pulls me in for a kiss, his hands falling to my hips, picking me up and placing me on his lap.
I melt into him, our mouths a twisted mess of tongues and desire. The storm outside fades into the background, the only sound the pounding of my heart and deep animalistic grunts that leave James’ throat.
The kiss deepens, and I lose myself in the sensation of his sensual lips. His big hands grab at my body, pulling me against his hardness as the desire builds. My nails drag along his arms, every inch of the inked skin hard and carved to perfection. His chest is just as beautiful, and I know I’ll never get tired of this body.
If you told me last week that I was about to give up my virginity to a handsome Navy man, I would have laughed in your face. But James has changed everything. He’s opened my eyes and made me rediscover myself, which is exactly what I came here to do.
With Logan, it always felt like something was missing—a constant undercurrent of control that made intimacy feel more like a duty than a desire. But with James, it’s different. There’s no pressure, no expectations. Just this raw, undeniable connection that feels so real, so right.
For the first time, I’m not holding back out of fear. I’m not afraid to let go, to give myself to him completely. Because with James, I know I’m safe. I know he’ll cherish me, not just possess me.
I wanted to be a changed woman when I left the Infinity Voyager, and now, I’m about to do exactly that.
“James,” I moan against his mouth. “I want you. Now.”
He pulls back, leans his forehead against mine and looks me right in the eyes. “Are you sure? Because once I start with you, Angel, there will be no stopping.”
“I want that. I want you.”
James picks me up, flips me over and tosses me on the bed so my back hits the mattress. He rises over me, pinning me between his thick forearms as that towering, muscular physique closes in around me in all the right ways.
He rips his shirt off and holy hell, he’s so fucking chiseled on every perfect piece of browned skin. My core squeezes with a surge of wetness.
I’m ready for this.
Ready to be claimed by my strong military man.