Ink of Copper

13. In Which Our Heroine is Insecure, Overreacts, and is Human

Chapter 13

In Which Our Heroine is Insecure, Overreacts, and is Human

Day 4 Aboard the Epic of the Seas

E llie set her coffee mug on the hallway cart. She’d spent most of the morning wondering about His Highness and his terrible domino skills. Really, she’d thought about him most of the evening after he bounded up the stairs; he was enigmatic, rigid, and serious, yet playful with a charming quality that made Ellie curious about him. Because of that, she had gotten little sleep and was covering up her late night with concealer and a can-do attitude. And failing, considering the harsh overhead lights.

Standing in the tiny bathroom in her cabin, she eyed her swimsuit. Caressing her hands over her hips and across her belly, she sighed. She had been so excited about this swimsuit when she picked it out, thinking the little yellow flowers would be perfect. But, in the harsh light of day and some serious self-doubt, she was reconsidering. Her reflection in the mirror showed that time had been kind in some ways and a thief in others. She still had the full curves that she loved, but her hips and breasts were striped with silver slashes against her creamy skin that she lovingly called tiger marks. This morning, they seemed more noticeable under the harsh light. Splaying her hand along her waist, she twisted her face. When she was younger, Ellie loved her figure. She had accepted long ago that she was shaped differently, but now that she was forty, she didn’t like the subtle signs of aging that had seemed to crop up overnight.

Ellie was comfortable in her skin and wasn’t ashamed of her body with all its dips and curves. But, her ex-husband, Penn, had ridiculed her their entire marriage. When they first started dating, he loved her curves, holding her, skimming his hand over her flared hips. Soon after they married, he began with the insults. He made comments on everything she did, ate, and wore. Image was everything to Penn, and when she didn’t live up to his image of a perfect wife, he belittled her. Ellie needed to rid herself of him.

But this morning, his damn voice was in her head.

She leaned over the sink and frowned at the fine lines around her eyes, deepening laugh lines, and if she didn’t stay on top of it, the grays peeking out. She was feeling self-conscious this morning for reasons she couldn’t quite explain. Ellie straightened her shoulders and, fighting the urge to cover her body, grabbed the wrap she bought that perfectly matched the yellow daises, and gave her red curls a shake for good measure. Yanking open the cabin door, she started towards the upper decks.

“Fuck Penn and his opinions,” she muttered to herself as she climbed the staircase.

She found most of the chairs occupied when she reached the top deck. The pool was filled with families ushering kids, toweling them off, waving and laughing. A high-pitched squeal came from overhead, and Ellie looked up just in time to see a little boy with red shorts barreling out of the water slide. She passed the buffet hall, already buzzing with people loading their plates. The smell of food made her mouth water. There was an artful display of produce on the salad bar. Tomatoes cut into roses sat at the feet of a watermelon carved to look like a server with a cantaloupe hat. She went through two glass doors at the end of the cafeteria and into the adult-only lounge.

The bar area was bustling with activity as a DJ set up in the corner. Over the speakers, techno music played softly, the thrumming beat giving the illusion that the lounge was a club. A couple passed on their way to some lounge chairs. The woman wore a tiny string bikini and carried a fruity drink with a tower of fruit on a skewer precariously gripping the rim of the glass. Two men and three women sat laughing and talking in the hot tub. A few more were in the pool.

This might have been a mistake.

Ellie had the stinking suspicion she might be the oldest in the room. Straightening her spine, she headed to the bar, ordering a whiskey neat with a twist. Once the drink was in hand, she scouted for a lounge chair, something tucked away, in a semi-quiet area, where she’d ignore the noise and read. She found one such chair, facing slightly away from the crowd, tucked into a corner and headed straight for it, intent on getting situated for a long day of nothing. Lost in her book while her earbuds blocked out most of the incessant thumping beat, Ellie happily ignored everyone for hours.

A man pulled a lounge chair from somewhere on the deck and plopped it beside hers. He was short and stocky; his balding head glistened in the sun as the last remaining scraps of black hair clung to the sides. His enormous belly hung low over his tiny orange Speedo. Ellie eyed him but continued to read, figuring he would sit quietly. She was wrong. He leaned over minutes after he lowered himself into the lounge chair and tapped her on the arm. Ellie looked over her sunglasses at him with a scowl, but the man ignored her and motioned, pointing to his ear. She gritted her teeth and reluctantly removed her earbuds.

“Yes, sir, may I help you?”

“I just thought you looked a little lonely over here all by yourself. My name is George.” He smiled at her and grunted as he shifted to face her. Ellie resisted the temptation to roll her eyes. “Yep, this is my first cruise. My wife is off with the kids, so I thought I’d come up here and make friends.” He took a sip of the fruity drink in his hand. “Man, this is good. Have you tried one?”

He started rambling on, trying to engage Ellie in small talk, which grated on her nerves. She struggled between being polite and wanting to yell that she didn’t want company. She hated this assumption most people had that somehow a person all by herself must be in want of conversation. It was taxing. Not that she had an aversion to discussion or meeting new people; last night’s impromptu domino game was a testament to that; it was more that she disliked the pressure to chat with everyone who looked her way. It drained her. Ellie took a sip of her whiskey, giving the glass a slight, sad frown. The bartender hadn’t given her enough to deal with people.

“Where are you from?” George asked, touching her arm.

Ellie sighed again. “Well, sir, I’m from the great state of Texas. Where y’all from?” Thickening her accent and smiling wide was her only defense. Acting way too friendly usually left the other person feeling awkward enough that they stopped talking. Usually.

Not this guy.

“Oh.” His face brightened. “I’ve been down there twice for work. I’m from northern Indiana myself,” he said in a nasally Midwestern accent.

Of course.

He launched into a drawn-out story about the one time he visited Dallas and how he had seen JFK’s memorial and mentioned the traffic. He rambled on for what seemed like hours. Ellie nodded and threw in a couple of mmm’s and, “Really, wow?” for good measure, all the while repeating small talk, kill me now , in her head as he prattled. She searched the lounge for anyone to save her. This was maddening, especially when she wanted to be silent, lost in her thoughts.

“I just love a southern accent.” His statement snapped her out of her reverie as his hand brushed her forearm. Ellie glanced at him and nodded, half-listening until she caught the sly smile curling itself on his round face. She suddenly realized why he kept her talking, even after she had shown every sign that she wasn’t interested. Some people loved her accent, causing her to feel like a sideshow act for their amusement.

“Say something else,” he said, touching her arm again, lingering too long with his fingertips.

Ellie snatched her arm back and looked around for an escape, anything to get out of this uncomfortable situation. She was relieved when she saw him enter the lounge with one of his friends trailing behind. She shot to her feet.

“Evander, sweetie, over here,” she called, waving her arms rapidly and motioning him over. She hoped he was just arrogant enough to be the pawn she needed.

Liam watched her wave and gave Evander an animated look. “So. Fancied a walk last night, huh?” He lifted both eyebrows accusingly.

Evander ignored him and strode to her through the crowd. It seemed natural, even expected. But the smile that curved those soft, pink lips left an uneasy feeling in his chest. The image of her teeth grazing her bottom lip as she beat him repeatedly in dominoes last night replayed in his mind, more times than he liked. She had been charming and witty, and Evander couldn’t recall the last time he enjoyed himself like that in the company of a woman. This morning, she was a vision standing silhouetted against the sun, a ring of fiery curls swept off her neck. Several had liberated themselves from their caged prison and were waving in the ocean breeze, beckoning him over. His gaze traveled down to the yellow and white swimsuit she wore, hugging those curves of hers. The top accentuated her breasts perfectly, but the bottoms came up higher than her belly button, leaving just a strip of skin exposed. His fingers tingled with the idea of skimming them along her skin and watching her squirm under his touch. Evander shook his head to clear it of those thoughts. He was here to do a job, protect her, or kill her; he wasn’t sure which he’d choose. Either way, his body responding to those upturned lips wasn’t part of either plan.

“Hi, darlin’,” Ellie cooed at him. “Where’ve you been? I’ve been missing you.” She closed the gap between them and slipped her arm low around his hips. Her hand grazed his skin under the button down he threw on as it glided into place, sending an unwelcome tingle up his spine. With her head barely reaching his shoulder, it made it easy for him to sling his arm around, holding her at her rib cage. She felt good tucked in next to him. Her scent wafting up on the wind was intoxicating. He had noticed it last night, the mixture of citrus and something else. Wood smoke? This morning, it was overwhelming, exhilarating, and he resisted the urge to bury his nose in her hair and breathe it in. For a moment, he forgot they barely knew each other. Ellie reached up and smoothed her other hand over the muscles of his exposed stomach. His jaw trembled as he tightly clenched his teeth to keep a sound from escaping.

“Baby, this is Mr. George. He is married and lives with his wife and kids in Indiana.” She craned her neck to look up at him and fluttered her eyelashes. The sun made her gray eyes shimmer, and he leaned down ever so slightly, captivated. For several long seconds, she stared at him. The music of the lounge, the hum of the passengers, everything faded into the background. Her gaze darted to the side and back, and then once more as her head nodded slowly. She chewed on the inside of her lip, and he realized she was trying to get his attention. Following her darting gaze to the rather roly-poly gentleman, understanding flooded him. The pulsing music returned, and Evander found himself winking. He never winked.

“Married, huh? Well, Mr. George, it was a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for keeping my place.” The man, still half-lounging in the chair, his belly sunning itself, stared up at him. “I’m sure you won’t mind moving, will you, chap?”

Relief flooded her face, and she turned that smile once again on him. Something fluttered low in the pit of his stomach.

Maybe his breakfast wasn’t settling.

“I hope you weren’t bothered. I know how you like to read in peace.” He added another wink and caught the bottom of her chin with his forefinger, turning her head to look at him. He tapped her nose. She gave him an odd look but seemed to accept his improv. However, she still hadn’t let go of him and, truth be told, he was enjoying it more than he should have.

“Oh, no, darlin’, he was just bein’ the sweetest. He even offered to buy us drinks for the trouble.” She grinned and then swung her head back to judge the reaction on her intruder’s face. George sat dumbfounded and wide-eyed.

“That’s bloody brilliant. Thank you, mate. The lady will have another,” he eyed her glass, “whiskey neat with a twist?” He raised his eyebrows, questioning. Ellie nodded quickly. “And, I’ll have it straight. Top shelf.”

Motioning for the man to vacate his seat, poor George scrambled to stand, shuffling over to the bar to order drinks for the happy couple, muttering to himself as he went. As soon as he was out of earshot, Ellie untangled herself from Evander’s waist and erupted into giggles. She folded her arms atop her belly, laughing. She looked at Evander, who was grinning ear to ear.

“He still has no idea what happened, does he?”

“I’m afraid not,” he said, laughing.

A few moments later, the server brought their drinks, and Evander raised his glass to acknowledge good old George. He turned to bask in their mutual triumph, but Ellie was settling back into her chair and slipping her earbuds back into place.

“Do you want me to go?” he asked, not wanting to intrude but not wanting to leave.

She smiled a half-grin and shook her head. “No, I’m fine with you sitting here. But I just want to read; I’m in no mood to talk. That’s okay, right?” She gave him a look, and he realized she was asking permission. A shot of anger sparked through him at the idea that Ellie felt the need to ask. She didn’t need permission from anyone about anything, least of all him. The urge to protect her surged through him unwelcomed. If Ellie wanted to sit quietly, ignoring everyone around her, Evander would happily play the bouncer for anyone else who tried to engage her.

“Of course, darling. You enjoy your book. As long as I’m not bothering you by sitting here,” he said. On impulse, he took her hand in his and gently kissed her knuckles. As soon as his lips brushed her skin, he regretted it. They burned at the contact. “I’m sorry.” He shrugged, letting go of her hand. “I shouldn’t have . . .”

“It’s fine,” she whispered, her eyes darting towards the bar. “Nice touch.”

Ellie settled into the chair, Evander beside her. Her sunglasses on, book in her lap. They sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the bright sunshine out on the deck. He rested his head on his hand, cradling the back of his neck. His shirt had fallen open, and the warm sun kissed his chest that showed between the leather straps as he lounged. Just as he was on the verge of falling asleep, Liam’s voice came floating from the bar. He opened his eyes in time to see Liam, Maximus, and Camulos coming towards them. The three pulled up a lounger and made a small semi-circle around Ellie. She continued to read, oblivious to the commotion before her, or so it seemed. But he caught her eyes quickly darting up and then back to the page. She took a quick breath and let it out slowly, but she kept the book in place as if she hadn’t noticed three men making camp around her. Evander smiled at that. Ellie was good at making those around her believe she wasn’t aware of their presence when she was, in fact, very aware. He wondered if her earbuds played anything or were just another layer in her ruse to deter conversation.

“So, found yourself a treat?” Liam asked, his eyebrows raised playfully. “Do you need to take another jog around the deck?” Evander pinned him with a harsh gaze that Liam ignored. “She’s a little bit—”

“A little bit what?” Ellie asked without looking up.

A ruse , Evander thought to himself.

Liam leaned in close. “Clairvoyant,” he said, faking a whisper as a lopsided grin slid playfully along his full lips. Evander hit the backside of his head.

“Owe,” Liam protested, rubbing the ache.

“Hello again, gentleman,” Ellie said, still refusing to look up from her book.

“Ms. Whitemore,” Maximus said as he took his seat.

“Mr. Lucci,” she replied coldly. “What brings you into my bubble? Again?”

She lowered her sunglasses to fix her stare on the men across from her. If they were gorgeous the other day in their suits and crisp dress shirts, today they looked as if they belonged on the set of some soapy teen romance. All were dressed for the pool, swim trunks on; Evander and Camulos the only ones with shirts. Each man was stupidly handsome—the kind of attractive Ellie had only seen airbrushed in magazines. Several cruisers around the lounge were admiring the foursome encircling her.

“Would you prefer we go?” Maximus asked. The men all gave her the same look.

Twisting her lips, she gave her head a little shake.

“Allow me to introduce Liam, Camulos, and I believe you’ve met Evander.” He waved at them in succession, to which Ellie nodded awkwardly. Liam laid his chair back after introductions, clasping his hands behind his head. His deep mahogany skin glistened in the sun, tiny droplets running down his chest. He must have been in the pool before he came over because his shorts were still wet and clung to his muscled thighs. He had a crest tattoo on his chiseled chest above his heart, his dark, curly hair pulled into a small bun on top of his head.

Maximus might have had on swim trunks, and his muscled chest was just as bare as Liam’s, but he appeared as if he would start conducting a board meeting any minute. His dark hair held in place perfectly. His broad shoulders rippled powerfully when he moved. He gave the impression of trying to be relaxed, but he seemed on guard. It unnerved Ellie in a way that just being handsome couldn’t. Her gaze shot to Camulos, who sat rigid in his chair, one ankle crossed over the other. Like Maximus, he looked like a leader, but his demeanor was calmer, more relaxed. Camulos had longer hair than the rest. His was white and fell below his shoulders in a tight braid. He looked older. His gaze met Ellie’s, and he blinked before breaking the contact and looking at Liam.

Shuffling her gaze between them, she noticed that two of the men had the same tattoo of a large owl mid-flight with arrows in its talons inside a crest on their chests in the same place, right above the heart. She was studying the pattern when Evander grabbed her hand and squeezed, looking at her as if waiting for an answer.

Ellie blinked rapidly. “I’m sorry, did you ask a question?”

“Aye, I did love,” Liam said with a surprising accent.

Irish? Ellie thought.

“I was asking what your plans were once we dock in Athens. Have you ever been before?” He was munching on pineapple chunks as he spoke.

Ellie frowned. She hadn’t seen a server come by their chairs, but she had been engrossed in sizing up the men encamped around her. He was staring at her, his eyebrows raised.

Answer him, Ellie.

“Plans, right? Yes, plans. Nope. No actual plans. I’ve never been to Athens. I want to see the Acropolis, but beyond that”—she shrugged—“I’ve only read about it in old books, so I’m excited to see it myself.” She glanced around the group and fidgeted with the hem of her swim wrap.

“Oh, really?” Liam said, smiling. “What a coincidence, Camulos enjoys reading ancient Greek.” His voice had a strange lilt to it that Ellie didn’t understand. “From what Maximus tells us, you also like old things. Seems kismet, no?” His eyes darted towards Evander, who took a sharp breath.

Ellie ignored his odd behavior. “What do y’all have for plans in Athens?”

“Maximus, Cam, and I plan to explore the city, but I believe Evander is free if you need a tour guide.” Liam winked, and she thought Evander’s face pinked. Perhaps it was just the sun. She pulled her lips into her mouth and considered his offer.

“I mean, if Evander doesn’t mind,” she began, flicking her hand at him. “Maybe we could find some unsuspecting girl and stalk her together.”

Maximus coughed on whatever he was drinking. Evander was about to utter something, but Liam cut him off.

“Aye, of course, he doesn’t mind. Happy to show off the city, maybe a little light stalking, aren’t you, Evander?” Liam slapped the arm of Evander’s chair. Maximus gave Liam a stern look, which clearly meant shut the hell up. Ellie snorted at that.

“Oh, that’s great. Does he only know the tourist areas? Or is he a full-blown local?”

Liam’s eyes twinkled with a schoolboy gleam, and his mouth widened into a grin. “Oh, love, been a long time since he’s been a local.”

Evander coughed and glared at Liam.

Ellie didn’t understand the meaning, but she knew there was an inside joke between these two that Liam was using to annoy his friend. Not one to back down, she played along.

“Hum,” she answered, tapping her chin with her forefinger. “Well, did he not have the time to experience the ways of the locals? Or was his trip a bit”—she paused, leveling her chin at him and holding two fingers close together—“short.”

Evander whipped his head around, his mouth agape. She kept her eyes leveled on Liam, refusing to acknowledge anyone and kept a straight face. Liam sucked in his cheeks; a slow smile crept in as his eyes twinkled in merriment. Ellie knew instantly he had raised the stakes of their little game.

“I’m uncertain if it’s short.” He clicked his tongue against his teeth. “But he has never really explored the hills and valleys like a local. Poor mate has always just been a tourist. Always alone. He’s a bit one-handed.” Liam stuck out his lower lip in fake sadness.

“That’s terrible,” Ellie replied, matching his tone and sad expression. “He seems so capable, but I’m sure solo trips get lonely and increasingly frustrating.”

At this point, Maximus and Camulos sat up in their chairs, their expressions of pure mirth egged Liam on.

“I’m sure, given the chance, that old Evander here would love a trip around the local areas. I’m sure he’s eager; it seems no one is up to his high standards of what a tourist should be. He’s been incredibly picky. You may have to lead him at first. If you have the time after he shows you all he knows, which shouldn’t take long, I’m sure. He’s waited so long.”

At that, an exasperated Evander threw a pillow at Liam, which he dodged, and it bounced off the arm of the chair.

“I’m sure he would.” Ellie leaned in playfully and winked. “Besides, I wouldn’t want him”—she paused just enough that the words landed between them—“having to show himself the local sights after our rendezvous.”

Liam all but leapt out of his chair. His eyes were now dancing. He tipped his chin down and looked pointedly at her. “Aye, I’m certain he had to go it alone on numerous occasions.” He winked.

“Humm,” Ellie began, her fingertips tapping her bottom lip. “It can be exhausting lugging around heavy equipment all day. He might need someone to lend a hand.”

Evander groaned loudly, which egged Ellie on. She wasn’t sure why Liam was teasing his friend, but she knew a double entendre when she heard one.

“Humm,” she said, her fingers still tapping against her bottom lip. “I’m a pretty insatiable tourist. I might just need more than one tour. That is, if he’s willing and able. And can keep up.” She shrugged and pouted her lip.

Liam leaned in close and whispered loudly. “Lass, he might only have one tour in him. And it won’t last long. Might best be not getting him excited about multiple tours. Best to finish where he stops. Alone.”

“Alright. That’s enough, you arse,” Evander said, waving his arms. The four erupted into laughter at his expense. Liam reached across the gap between the chairs to high-five Ellie. Evander tried to stop the exchange with his own slap but missed and connected with Liam’s forearm. The two grown men began tossing pillows back and forth between them, like brothers playing in a pillow fort.

Maximus shook his head and looked at Ellie. “See what I have to deal with?” He flipped his wrist at the pair and made a disgusted face. Ellie chuckled and nodded in agreement.

“Mr. Lucci,” she began.

“Call me Maximus, please,” he remarked with a tilt of his head.

“Maximus, I wanted to apologize for the other day.”

“No, no need, Ellie. I interrupted you,” he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

“Even still. I was rude, and I’m sorry.”

His lips lifted into a kind smile. “Forgotten.”

The group remained together, chatting, throwing quips back and forth as if they were old friends for hours. The sun, high in the sky, beat down on the pool deck, heating everything and everyone it touched. Liam and Maximus jumped in the water when one of the crew members brought out a volleyball net. Soon, they had a loud game going with even louder smack talk and pretty girls jumping out of the water to spike the ball.

Evander stood at one end of the bar when Ellie sauntered over to him, fruity drink in hand. She sipped from a bright pink straw.

“So, Your Highness, why aren’t you in the water with the others?”

He shrugged, looking back at Liam, who was busy showing a woman how to serve. He waved his prosthetic at her. “It can do many things, but getting wet isn’t one of them.”

Ellie’s cheeks instantly turned hot, and a blush ran up her neck. She was sure she was the shade of red apples in the fall. How had she missed that?

“I’m—I’m,” she stammered.

Evander shrugged again. “Not to worry; forget it. Besides, I enjoy people watching.”

Ellie cleared her throat, the blush still full on her cheeks. “People watching, huh?” Two women in tiny bikinis walked by, and Evander’s eyes followed them as they passed.

“Okay, cowboy,” she said. “You’re lonely and sad, so let’s change that. You need a date.” She put her finger to her mouth thoughtfully. Her gaze traveled around the deck at all the beautiful young people vying for attention.

“Do I?”

“Sure, that way, I can find a more worthy domino partner.”

He snorted a response.

“How about her?” Ellie pointed with her chin at a pretty blonde sitting with her friends. Evander looked and shook his head.

“What? Why not?”

Wrinkling his nose, he sniffed. “Not my type,” he said, lifting one shoulder.

Ellie frowned. “What about her?” She nodded to a pretty brunette on a bar stool sipping a fruity drink. Evander shook his head.

“Him, then?” she quickly pointed to a good-looking man in the hot tub.

Evander tilted his head side to side, considering, then made a face as he chuckled. “Definitely not.”

“Okay, Mr. Picky, what is your type? Hum, let me guess. I bet I can guess.”

“If I wanted a quick shag, I could get one, Ellie. I’m not interested in that.”

She snapped her head around to look at him and snorted through her nose. “I guess you can.” Her gaze wandered up and then slid down. She knew she was lingering too long on the muscles half-hidden by his open shirt. Evander seemed uncomfortable under her gaze and shifted his weight on the bar.

“I might not be, but I think you are.” He slyly arched his eyebrow at her as she shook her head. “Let’s see if there is anyone you fancy.”

Ellie covered her mouth as she made an indelicate sound. “Me?” she laughed. “No. Oh, no. I’m old enough to be some of these youngin’s mama. I’d be like a cradle robber. Plus, look at all of them, just tiny little snacks. Honey, I ain’t no snack; I’m a whole damn sandwich. I don’t have time to train some too-eager buck how to rut; I need a man who knows what he’s doing.”

Water came flying out of Evander’s mouth. He sputtered and grabbed several bar napkins to clean himself up with. Ellie laughed, hitting his back, and handed him another stack of napkins to wipe off the bar.

She gestured to him. “Even you. You’re a bit on the young side for me.”

Evander smirked at that. “Really?” he asked, his voice pitched. “Me too?”

She made a nervous little sound and cleared her throat again. “Even you.” She put the pink straw between her lips and darted her eyes anywhere else.

He turned and placed both elbows on the bar—one elbow, soft and tanned from the sun, the other, mechanical and silver. Ellie looked down in wonderment for a moment. The cool metal, the lights, and the entanglement of wires intrigued her. She traced the edge of his elbow, barely brushing it with her fingertips. The encasing came alive under her touch, lights inside blinking rapidly as she traced her fingers along the artificial ridge. Evander flinched, and it broke the strange trance. She blinked up at him, and her cheeks once again reddened. Ellie placed a hand on one of her cheeks in a feeble effort to cool it.

“I, um, um, I’m sorry. I don’t know why I did that.” Ellie lowered her eyes in embarrassment as she stumbled around for the words. She grabbed her offending appendage with her opposite hand, as if simply thinking about stopping herself from touching him wasn’t enough; she needed actual restraint.

“Look at me,” he commanded, his voice dropping to an octave that tingled through her. “I’m not embarrassed about my arm. You shouldn’t be either.” She glanced up at him, his face unreadable, hooded, and dark. He was shaking his head softly at her.

“I can’t believe I just did that. I just reached out and,”—she paused—“groped you.”

Evander’s jaw twitched. “I’d hardly call lightly touching me, groping. But if you want to.” He opened his shirt so she could see where his prosthetic arm attached to his shoulder. He tossed his chin. “Go on. Grope me.”

His deepening tone playing off his darkening expression had her breath in her throat. Ellie reached out timidly, drawing her fingertips along the encasing. Evander watched her every move, his jaw ticking. She danced two fingers along the outside of his arm, up to his bicep, and then dragged her fingernails gently along the artificial muscle to the inside of his arm. A shiver went through him, causing her to look up into his face. His lips were pulled taught, his pupils dark, and he was barely breathing. Goose flesh broke out on the pectoral muscle that peaked out of the strap holding his arm in place. He clenched his fist, the mechanical fingers bending inward in unison.

“Can you feel that?” she whispered as she danced her fingers back down his arm to his wrist.

“Yes,” he answered, his voice hoarse.

Ellie stopped abruptly and drew her hand back as if she had touched a hot stove. “I’m sorry,” she said with an odd lift to her shoulder. She held the hand to her chest, clutching it. Her heart pulsed as she stepped back, trying to catch her breath.

“I didn’t shock you, did I?” A mix of teasing and concern filled his face.

Ellie swallowed and shook her head. She bolted towards her lounge chair; her hands shook as she gathered her things. She was incredibly embarrassed, but this sensation running through her was more than a willingness for the earth to swallow her whole. It had her heart pounding in her ears and her breath shallow. Ellie licked her suddenly dry lips. She needed to go back to her cabin right now and maybe not come out again until they docked.

“Are you done with us already, Ellie?” Liam shouted from the pool.

Evander had returned to their little circle and watched her roughly shoving things in her bag. She had made a fool of herself at the bar, stroking his arm like that. God, she was an idiot. She needed to get out of there as quickly as possible.

“Yes! Yes, I am. Um—it’s getting late, and you know, I think I signed up for BINGO and then, you know, dinner, so—” A half-nervous laugh escaped her. Removing her sunglasses, she tossed them at her bag. “I mean, it’s not as exciting as dominoes.” She winked at Evander and immediately regretted it. She had to leave before she did anything else ridiculous. Jerking in a circle, Ellie tried to bolt for the double doors, but the action was too sudden, and she bumped into another passenger as she turned to go. Apologizing, Ellie darted towards her escape.

“What was she going on about? Lass is in a way,” Liam wondered aloud as Ellie weaved through the now crowded pool deck.

“Which one?” Evander said, watching her disappear as the door opened. “The abruptness or the dominoes?”

Liam cocked his head, an odd look on his face. “The dominoes,” he said.

“She forced me to play dominoes late last night when I found her on the lower deck,” Evander said reflexively, his eyes following her retreat. “Always in her bag,” he added before he could stop himself. A second later, he snapped out of his little trance and looked over at Liam, who wore a grin.

“Well, then.” Liam raised an eyebrow.

“Bugger off.” Evander shot him a look, and Liam laughed.

Evander knew he would endure more teasing if he stayed on the deck. Turning to go down a deck and away from Liam’s sideways glances, he noticed Ellie’s sunglasses on the deck. He picked them up. Moving towards the door, he seemed to weigh his options for a moment, and then he made his way after Ellie.

Maximus watched as Ellie darted past, soon followed by Evander.

“Do you think this is wise?” he muttered under his breath.

“Of course it is,” she said behind him.

“Even after Athena’s order? This is a dangerous game, Pheridones.”

She lifted a shoulder. “My sisters and I are never wrong, Maximus.”

Max turned and looked at her. To the casual observer, she looked like any other passenger, but Maximus knew the power this particular daughter of the muses held. And when a muse sets their mind to something, there is no turning it.

“And what of Evander? My man will die at the hands of Athena when she finds out.”

“We need her, Maximus,” she said, almost bored. “The curse must be broken; she is the only way.”

“For Troy, then?” he breathed, his words heavy.

“For Troy.”