8. Chapter Seven
Chapter Seven
Stella
I wake up to the soft, warm light of the sunrise filtering through the curtains of the penthouse suite. This bed is huge, not to mention impossibly comfortable. There’s only a few days left of the cruise, and already I’m dreading going back to my dingy bed in LA.
I twist in the cool, silky sheets, stretching my sleepy muscles. My eyes slowly open wider, and that’s when I feel it.
Something is off. Something’s not right.
I roll over, reaching out for that familiar warmth of the man who’s turned my body into a wonderland of pleasure these past few days. I need his hard muscles, his tender touch and his racy words.
But my hand lands on an empty, cold space.
My heart sinks. I blink, trying to shake off the grogginess as I prop myself up on one elbow. The room is quiet, too quiet. I sit up, letting the sheet fall away from my naked body. There’s no sign of him. The room is empty.
A tight knot of worry clenches in my chest. I try to brush it off, after all, we have just spent the most wonderful night together. Everything was perfect, and I’ve never felt more connected to someone before.
He could have just stepped out for a moment. Maybe he’s gone to get breakfast. Or he could just be in the bathroom, and I’m worrying over nothing.
As I slide out of bed, all of my questions are answered. I spot a note on the counter next to a steaming cup of coffee and that sinking feeling grows in my belly.
My feet sink into the plush carpet as the scent of the steaming mug of coffee fills the air. It should be comforting – he’s clearly been thinking about me, and he’s left me a sweet something to show me that. Then I see a handwritten note right beside the mug, and I can’t get there quick enough to pick it up and see Samuel’s neat and precise handwriting.
Stella,
Taking the day to myself. Military ordered. I’ve booked a spa day for you and Freya at Infinity Day Spa. Be there at 11. Enjoy.
Samuel
The words are simple, almost too simple. Typical of the man I’m growing so fond of, the note is straight to the point. No fluff, no emotion. I read it a few times over, the heavy weight in my stomach growing each time.
Something gnaws at me, an uneasy feeling that I can’t quite shake.
He’s taking a day to himself. That’s all.
I drink the coffee and tell myself not to panic. He probably needs some space. Some time to think and heal. I mean, that’s what he’s been sent here for, I can’t expect him to spend all his time with me.
I’ve felt the weight he carries, the burdens of his past despite the fact that he only opens up so much about his time in the military. I get the feeling there is so much more to his story, but I’m grateful he’s letting me help heal the scars that linger on his body and in his eyes.
Truth is, I’ve fallen for him. And I’ll do just about anything to make sure I see that rare smile of his more often.
I head to the bathroom, trying to push down the lingering worry as I go through the motions of getting ready. It will be nice to spend the day with Freya. We came on this trip together, but since day one, we’ve both been so “busy” we’ve barely seen each other.
I let the hot, steaming water cascade over my body. It’s odd being in here without the presence of my big, strong man. He’s usually soaping my skin, massaging my shoulders and treating me better than I could ever have imagined, instead, I’m stepping out and toweling myself dry all alone.
I dress quickly, slipping into something comfy. A soft, pink sundress will do the trick today, and I head out to find Freya.
The ship is already bustling as I make my way to our cabin. I haven’t spent a single night with her, but I get the feeling she hasn’t missed me. I decide to knock first before flying into the cabin, and when a shirtless guy with a beard and a beaming smile greets me, I’m glad I did.
“Um, hi,” I say, looking over his shoulder to see Freya laying in the bed, the sheets pulled up over chest. “Freya, we’ve got Day Spa treatments all day. Samuel’s treat.”
The man blocking the door looks over his shoulder. “Samuel?”
Freya winks at him. “Hers, not mine.” She slides out of bed and gives me a sight I didn’t need to see right now. “Give me a minute, babe. I’ll be right there.”
The guy’s jaw drops. “Um, what about… you know, what we were about to do?”
Freya flaps her hand at him and shoves his pants in his chest. “Maybe later. If you meet me at the rooftop bar again tonight, you never know, sweetie.”
I laugh and watch as my best friend dismisses her one-nighter without a second glance, and starts walking with me towards the Golden Sunset Sushi Bar. As we’re walking, she gives me a sideways glance, looking me up and down as her smile falters slightly.
“Rough night?” she asks.
“No, the night was good,” I reply, trying to match her energy, but my voice comes out more subdued than I’d intended.
“Uh-oh. What’s going on? And don’t lie to me girl, I know when you’re giving me porkies.”
I sigh, walking slowly as we reach the front door of the sushi bar. “He left a note this morning. Said he’s taking the day to himself.”
“So? That’s good babe! I’ve been missing you!”
“I know,” I reply, catching Freya excited hands as she bounces in front of me. “It’s just… I don’t know. I guess I didn’t expect him to just disappear like that.”
Freya hooks her arm through mine, giving me a reassuring squeeze. “It’s probably nothing, Stella. Guys need their space sometimes, especially with the kind of baggage that man seems to carry around. And… he did book us a day spa, which, by the way, sounds amazing. ”
I agree with her, but the unease of saying the words out loud doesn’t quite leave me. “I’ve fallen for him, Freya. Hard. And I think he feels the same way, but then he goes and does something like this and I’m getting all these mixed messages.”
Freya hums thoughtfully as we enter the sushi bar, the scent of fresh fish and savory soy sauce filling the air. We head to the counter and there are hundreds of rolls of every color filling the bay. I grab the avocado and cucumber roll, and Freya chooses crispy chicken.
“Just take today for what it is, and go from there,” Freya says eventually, finishing up her sushi roll. “Men are weird. And sometimes, you just gotta go with it.”
I agree and when we finally make our way to Infinity Day Spa, the tension in my chest has eased slightly. We enter the reception and instantly I’m hit with how stunningly gorgeous it is inside. Two towering marble columns lead towards the reception desk which is sitting in front of a cascading waterfall that fills the space with a soothing, melodic sound. The air is moist, filled with a scent of lavender that automatically makes my muscles unclench.
“Good morning,” the reception smiles from behind the desk. “You must be our 11 o’clocks!”
I smile and nod. “Yes, it might be under Stella.”
The lady smiles knowingly. “Oh yes, I’ve got it. You’re both lucky ladies today. The full treatment is available, no restrictions on beauty products, amenities, or treatments. It’s all taken care of, so when you’re ready, proceed through those sliding doors. Towels will be on your left.”
I glance at Freya who looks as shocked as I am. We head through the doors and slip into plush white robes and soft slippers; the scent of total relaxation easing the stress and worry from this morning.
We enter the main spa area and I’m struck by the sheer luxury of it. The room is bathed in natural light, with large windows that offer a stunning view of the ocean beyond. Endless depths of blue make my heart swell and we enjoy the view for a moment before heading across to the treatment rooms.
“Massages, facials, hydrotherapy… this place has it all,” Freya says, running a finger down the list of services available to us today. “This must have cost him a fortune.”
I nod, looking across to the center of the room. There’s a large, heated pool surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs. There’s a steam room off to one side and its glass walls are fogged with condensation.
Freya pulls me and we head for the pool, excitement radiating off both of us. We sink into the warm water and for a moment, I let myself just be.
“Ah, this is what we came on a cruise for,” Freya says, stretching out on one of the inbuilt lounges on the side of the pool. “Pure comfort and relaxation.”
We talk about Freya adventures for a minute and, safe to say, she’s had a great time in our cabin.
“So, a different guy each night?” I ask, sinking into the water.
Freya shrugs. “Yeah. Two at once on the second night.”
I gasp and splash a wave of water over my friend. “Freya! You’re terrible!”
She laughs and we lose control for a second. It’s nice having this time with her, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Samuel. I hope he’s ok. I’d hate to be sitting here, lapping up this special day that he’s organized for us, only for him to be alone and hurting.
Freya must notice my mind drifting, because she turns to me with a concerned expression. “Alright, time to spill. What’s really going on in that pretty head of yours?”
I open my eyes and stare up at the ceiling. “I think I’m in love with him, Freya. Like, real love. But I’m scared.”
“Of course you are! Love?! You’ve never felt like that about anyone before, babe.”
“Exactly. It’s all happened so quickly. What if it’s too soon? What if I’m just setting myself up for heartbreak?” I take a deep breath and look to my friend. I love that she listens to me, she’s always been there and this time is no different. “Worse yet, what if this is just some vacation fling to him? What if it’s all just a big set-up?”
Freya swivels in the water, turning to face me. “Stella, you’ve always been the type to dive in headfirst. It’s one of the things I love about you. But maybe, just maybe this time you should take a step back. Just a little.”
“You think so?”
“I’m not saying don’t trust your feelings, but maybe give it some time. You said it, this is fast. Just see how things play out, take it slow and if he’s serious too, then you’ll have all the time in the world once you get off the ship.”
Her words hit me harder than I expect. I know she’s looking out for me, but the idea of pulling back feels like pulling away. This is something my heart is aching for, something I desperately want. Something I need.
“I don’t want to lose him,” I say quietly, more to myself than her.
Freya reaches out, squeezing my hand and we leave the pool. “You won’t. Just be careful. And if you need to, just talk to him. He seems like a decent guy from what you’re telling me.”
I nod and we head towards the facial rooms. Her words leave a lingering doubt in my mind, but I’m lucky enough to have every treatment available to help ease the stress circling my mind.
Hours pass by and we pamper ourselves. Treatment after treatment, we indulge. I get the best massage I’ve ever had, deep and relaxing, the therapists hands working out every knot and tension in my body. The steam room is a haven of warmth and the facials and skin treatments leave my skin feeling soft and rejuvenated, like I’m glowing with a new vitality.
As we finish our spa day, we head back to our cabin. While Freya is getting dressed, ready for an evening of drinking and flirting, I find myself more anxious about the night ahead. I can’t help but think about the moment that Samuel came to the bar on that very first night, the way he pulled that guy off me, demanding that no one ever touches me again.
The power and possessiveness he showed me that night was everything. It was in that moment that I…
“ Shit…” I breathe, the realization hitting me like a brick.
A sudden wave of energy bursts through my veins. I’ve been in love with him this whole time. Right from that moment, when he declared that I was his. The moment he warned me that no one else will ever touch me again. My heart was claimed right then and there, and nothing will ever compare to that moment again.
I grab my phone and text Samuel.
We need to talk.
I hit send, my heart pounding as Freya sings loudly, and terribly, in the bathroom. Seconds tick by, each one feeling like an eternity. I stare at the screen, waiting for the reply, and finally, it comes through.
Just finished at the gym. Meet me at the penthouse.
Relief floods through me, but it’s tinged with a lingering uncertainty. I grab my things, holla at Freya and tell her I’ll catch her later.
As I make my way to the penthouse, my mind is a whirlwind of thoughts. I’m scared. Fucking terrified. But I need to know if he feels the same way, if he’s willing to let down those walls and let me in completely.
I want this to work. I want Samuel to be the one.
My heart slams against my rib cage as I drum my fingers on the door. The handle twists, and there he is. His big, thick and powerful body, staring back at me. His handsome features are emotionless, his eyes hard as he looks down at me.
“Stella, come in.”
Shit.
This can go one of two ways.
And I might not ever be the same after we’re done here.