Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
MIA
By the time I make it back topside, Serenity ’s dining room is a buzz of activity as passengers gather for the evening meal. The room is elegantly decorated, with plush carpets, polished wood tables, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a stunning view of the sunset-painted sky and endless expanse of ocean.
The gentle clinking of glasses and the hum of excited conversations fill the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
I enter the room, scanning the crowd for a familiar face. It doesn’t take long to spot him. He’s like a lighthouse in a sea of people, impossible to miss. His tall frame and chiseled features stand out among the other passengers.
His stance is confident, and his movements are easy, indicating he’s a man comfortable in any situation. His physique, undoubtedly sculpted through years of rigorous training, complements his casual yet perfectly fitted attire in a way that draws more than a few admiring glances.
I can’t help but take a moment to appreciate the sight of him. His dark hair is slightly tousled as if he habitually runs his hands through it without a thought. His jawline, sharp and commanding, frames a smile that could light up the darkest of nights .
However, a flutter of insecurity washes over me, as the two bimbos in sprayed-on dresses wrap themselves around him and practically dry-hump him in front of everyone.
He’s the kind of man who is used to attention, especially from women. No doubt, he’s always the center of gravity in any room he enters. And here I am, drawn into his orbit, fighting the urge to step closer, to become another one of the eager hopefuls vying for a moment of his time.
The thought stings—a reminder of the vast gulf between us. He’s a man with options, with the world at his feet.
And what am I?
A fugitive, carrying secrets and burdens that weigh heavily on my soul.
Yet, as he laughs, throwing his head back in genuine amusement at something said, the sight sends a warm ripple through me. For a fleeting moment, I allow myself the fantasy of being the one he chooses to spend his night with, to be the reason for his laughter, and to momentarily forget the looming threats that chase me.
Reality is a splash of cold ocean water.
Women position themselves near him, their intentions clear as they toss their hair and send flirtatious glances his way. He’s gracious. His charm is effortless as he interacts, yet somehow, he’s not fully engaged. It’s as though he’s searching for something—or someone—else in the crowd.
I catch myself hoping, foolishly, that it might be me. Not for anything lasting—I’m not so deluded to think there could be anything beyond a single night’s escape from my reality.
But what a night it could be.
A night to drown out fear and forget about the danger haunting me. A night to lose myself in the strength of his arms, to forget, if only until dawn.
I tuck away the fantasy, a small, wistful smile playing on my lips. With a ship full of potential bed partners, it was foolish to believe he might be interested in me.
I prepare to retreat to my cabin, but something suddenly stirs the air .
Rigel’s gaze cuts through the crowd, locking onto mine with an intensity that feels like a physical touch. At that moment, we’re the only two people in the room, and the background noise fades to a distant hum.
Without hesitation, he’s on the move, his powerful stride purposeful as he navigates the sea of tables between us. The determination in his stride makes my heart race, anticipation building with each step he takes. The women near him, once hopeful, vanish from his sight, their presence dimmed by the focus of his attention.
Reaching me, he takes my hand, the touch electric and spellbinding. How can such attraction be conveyed in a simple gesture?
“You look amazing.” His eyes meet mine, and a spark of electricity passes between us. His gaze is intense, filled with the same heat and longing I felt on the deck earlier.
A flush creeps up my neck, my skin tingling under the weight of his stare.
He says something, his voice a low rumble that I barely register over the pounding of my heart. Then, with a gentle firmness that leaves no room for protest, he guides me back to the table he’s claimed for us, pulling out a chair as if it’s been reserved just for me all along.
“I was starting to think you’d changed your mind about joining us.” He places a hand on my back, his touch feeling natural, and guides me into my seat.
“And miss the chance to hear more of your terrible pickup lines? Never.”
“You wound me. And here I thought we were making progress.” He clutches his chest in mock offense, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
I roll my eyes but can’t help the laugh that escapes my lips. Something about his effortless charm and playful banter draws me in, despite my better judgment.
As I take my seat, he introduces me to the others at the table. “This is Pete, Jessica, and Samantha. They’re all experienced divers.”
Pete nods in greeting, his weathered face creasing into a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you… ”
“Mia. My name’s Mia.” The moment I say my name, I regret it.
“When Rigel said you’d be joining our table for dinner,” Pete says, “I was thrilled to hear it. He says you’re traveling alone? Are you a diver as well?”
“Yes, I am, and no, I’m not a diver.” I shake my head, feeling a twinge of discomfort at the question. “I’m just here to…” I make a vague gesture, unable to express myself, “to see the world, I guess.”
Pete raises an eyebrow, his expression curious. “What made you choose this particular trip?”
My mind races to come up with a plausible explanation. The truth is too dangerous, too painful to share. “I… I just needed a change of scenery, I suppose. A chance to get away from it all. It was purely a random choice. A last-minute opening. I’m just playing things by ear.”
“I can relate to that.” Rigel reaches out and takes my hand in his. The action is so natural it feels nothing like holding a man’s hand for the first time. It feels as if we’ve done this our entire lives.
Something just—meshes between us.
“Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the present.” Rigel’s gaze softens with understanding.
Warmth spreads through me at his words, a sense of rightness I can’t quite explain. It’s as if he sees through my carefully crafted fa?ade, straight to the heart of who I am.
As the conversation flows, I’m drawn deeper into the group’s dynamic. Jessica and Samantha regale us with tales of their past diving adventures, their eyes shining with excitement as they describe the wonders they’ve seen beneath the waves.
“Oh my gosh, you won’t believe the colors down there,” Jessica gushes, leaning across the table toward Rigel, shamelessly flashing her cleavage and showing off her bountiful boobs. “The fish, the coral, it’s like something out of a dream. We should all dive together. Sorry, Mia, you’ll miss out.”
What a bitch. I want to claw her eyes out.
It takes every ounce of my willpower not to look down at the flatness of my chest and the tiny A-cup breasts that will never get bigger and compare them to her double Ds .
Samantha nods enthusiastically, her hand brushing Rigel’s arm as she speaks. “And the feeling of weightlessness, of just drifting through this whole other world… It’s indescribable.”
“I know exactly what you mean. There’s nothing quite like it, is there?” Rigel smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
I feel a twinge of something—jealousy, perhaps—as I watch the two women fawn over Rigel. Their body language is obvious, with fluttering lashes and coy smiles, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s enjoying the attention.
But then Rigel’s hand finds mine under the table again. His fingers lace with mine, and the warmth of his touch chases away any doubts. He turns to me, his gaze soft and intimate.
“What about you, Mia? What’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever done?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t really had many adventures, not like all of you.” I blush, suddenly put on the spot.
Pete chuckles, his eyes twinkling with mirth. “Well, you’re in for a treat. This trip’s bound to give you a thrill or two.”
Samantha leans forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Speaking of thrills, did you hear about the couple who got caught skinny dipping during cocktail hour?”
Jessica gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. “No way! I thought that was just a rumor.”
Rigel laughs, shaking his head. “Sounds like someone’s vacation is off to a spicy start.”
“Ah, to be young and in love. Or lust, as the case may be.” Pete slaps the table, guffawing heartily.
The table erupts in laughter. As the chuckles die down, Jessica turns her attention back to Rigel, her eyes glinting with mischief.
“So, Rigel, any special someone waiting for you back home? A handsome guy like you, I bet you’re fighting them off with a stick.”
Rigel chuckles, leaning back in his chair. “Well, I’ve got a girl back home. Her name’s Stormy.”
My heart sinks, and a cold wave of disappointment washes over me. Of course, he has someone back home. How could I have been so naive to think …
Rigel continues with a playful smile on his lips like he’s telling a joke. “Stormy’s been with other guys throughout the years, but I’ve always been her primary. We always seem to find our way back to each other.”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat, unsure of how to respond. The idea of Rigel with another woman, even in an open relationship, makes my stomach churn.
“She’s a real beauty,” Rigel says, his eyes twinkling. “Fit, active, with these deep, dark-brown eyes that just pull you in. And her hair, it’s this thick brown that’s just begging to be touched. I love running my fingers through her hair.”
I feel a stab of jealousy, picturing this gorgeous, mysterious woman waiting for Rigel back home. How can I compete with that?
“But I needed some time to redefine who I am outside of the Navy.” Rigel sighs, his expression turning serious. “So I left Stormy behind. The truth is, I’m not seeing or dating anyone right now.” He turns to me, a spark of interest in his eyes. “Hey Mia, want to see a picture of my dog?”
I blink, confused by the sudden change in topic, but nod anyway. Why would he want to show me a picture of his dog?
Rigel grins, pulling out his phone and showing me a photograph.
I peer at it closely, my eyes widening as I take in the image. It shows a stunning woman with dark eyes and long, flowing brown hair, her arm wrapped around a large, handsome dog.
Before I can get a better look, Samantha yanks the photo out of my hand. “Ooh, let me see!” she coos, ignoring my annoyed glare.
Jessica leans close, grasping Rigel’s phone and peering closely at the picture.
“Is that a German Shepherd?” she asks, studying the picture intently.
Rigel shakes his head. “Nah, she’s a Belgian Malinois. An incredible dog, highly intelligent. That’s why they’re used in the SEALs and other military and law enforcement roles. They’re loyal, fearless, and have an incredible work drive. ”
Samantha nods, clearly impressed. “Wow, I had no idea. That’s really fascinating.”
“She’s gorgeous,” I murmur, my gaze fixed on the woman in the photograph. Her beauty is striking, almost intimidating.
Rigel grins, taking his phone back from Samantha and tucking it into his pocket. “Yeah, she’s a real looker, isn’t she? Those are the two most important ladies in my life.” He leans in closer, his eyes locking with mine. “But like I said, I’m a free agent now. Open to new possibilities and new adventures. Especially if those adventures involve a certain someone who’s captured my interest.”
My heart races, and my skin tingles. I shouldn’t be jealous of a woman back home, especially a woman he walked away from, but still—it hurts.
Which it shouldn’t. I don’t know Rigel, and to be honest, we have no future. I’m on the run, and he’s on the adventure of a lifetime.
One thing is clear, however. Rigel is going out of his way to let me know he’s available and interested in pursuing something with me.
As the conversation flows around us, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to Rigel’s story than he’s letting on.
But for now, I’m content to live in the moment. What do I care if a woman is waiting for him when I plan on leaving him the moment this cruise ends?
Samantha pouts, her lower lip jutting out in an exaggerated fashion. “Aw, now that’s interesting. I was hoping you might be up for a little—adventure of our own.”
The innuendo in her tone is unmistakable, and a hot flush of anger washes over me. Before I can say anything, Rigel speaks up, his voice firm but gentle.
“I appreciate the offer, Samantha, but I’m quite happy with my current company.” He turns to me, his eyes warm and sincere.
I duck my head, a pleased smile tugging at my lips. Jessica and Samantha exchange a look, their expressions full of envy.
Pete, perhaps sensing the tension, clears his throat loudly. “Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for another round. Who’s with me?”
The group choruses their agreement, and as the moment passes, the conversation flows back to safer topics like diving, but under the table, Rigel’s hand remains in mine, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my skin.
Whatever this is between us—this spark, this connection—it’s rapidly turning into more than a passing flirtation.
It’s turning carnal and raw.