Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
MIA
The gentle rocking of the Serenity lulls me into a reflective state as I sit on the deck, watching the sun dip toward the horizon. The past couple of days with Rigel replay in my mind like a highlight reel of unexpected joy.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Rigel’s voice startles me from my reverie. He settles into the chair beside me, his warmth radiating in the narrow space between us.
“Just thinking about the cruise so far.” A smile tugs at my lips, but it feels strained.
“And what about the cruise?” Rigel studies my face, his brow furrowing slightly.
I hesitate, my gaze drifting to the endless expanse of ocean stretching before us. Each nautical mile brings us closer to Sydney, to the end of this blissful bubble we’ve created on the Serenity .
“It’s been incredible,” I say softly, my voice barely audible over the crash of waves against the hull. “Almost too good to be true.”
“Mia, what’s going on? You know you can confide in me.” He reaches over, his fingers brushing mine.
“It’s nothing. I’m just wondering when I’m going to wake up from this dream, I guess.” I force a laugh, but it comes out hollow .
The truth is, each tick of the clock edges me closer to an unknown fate. Will Sydney bring the freedom I so desperately crave? Or will it be a catastrophic crash that shatters the world as I know it?
I think of the tablet hidden in my cabin and the weight of its secrets. Red Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, the company I once trusted, is neck-deep in illegal uranium trading. The Chinese government is after me too, desperate to bury the truth. They’ve already sent one assassin.
I feel safe aboard the Serenity , but what happens after we dock?
Rigel watches me closely, concern etched in the lines of his face. I want to tell him everything, to unburden myself of the fear and isolation that’s been my constant companion since I fled Manila.
But I can’t risk dragging him into this mess.
“I’m just… I’m not ready for this to end,” I say instead, my voice cracking. “Being here with you, it’s been a break from reality. But we both know it can’t last forever.”
“Who says it has to end?” Rigel’s hand tightens around mine. “I know there’s something you’re not telling me, but whatever it is, we can face it together.”
“You don’t understand.” I shake my head, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. “The things I’m caught up in, the people who are after me… I can’t put you in danger like that.”
“I’m not afraid of danger.” His eyes blaze with intensity. “I’m afraid of losing you.”
For a moment, I’m tempted to give in, to let Rigel be my knight in shining armor, but the rational part of my brain knows it’s just a fantasy. The threats I face are too big and too powerful. They require the intervention of a government.
Hopefully, the United States.
They were eager enough to offer asylum and protection, but after the death of one of their operatives, I don’t know if that offer is still on the table.
I have to see this through on my own.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, pulling my hand from his grasp. “I care about you too much to let you get caught in the crossfire. ”
Before Rigel can respond, I stand abruptly and flee, my vision blurred with unshed tears. I hate myself for pushing him away, but it’s the only way to keep him safe. I won’t let Rigel become collateral damage in my fight for survival.
I love him.
Which is silly. We’ve only known each other for a few days, but somehow, it feels like I’ve always known him.
No matter how much it hurts, I have to let him go.
And I hate the way I ran away with a sniffle.
I take a deep breath, composing myself before stepping back out onto the deck. The salty sea breeze caresses my skin, and I let the rhythmic sound of the waves soothe my troubled thoughts.
As I return to Rigel, I spot him leaning against the railing, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The setting sun casts a warm glow on his features, highlighting the strong lines of his jaw and the gentle curve of his lips.
My heart aches at the sight of him, at the knowledge that our time together is fleeting, but I refuse to let my fears and secrets taint the precious moments we have left.
Plastering a smile on my face, I approach him. “Hey, you. Sorry about that. I just needed a moment.”
Rigel turns, his eyes softening as they meet mine. “No worries. I’m just glad you’re back.”
“Me too.” I bump my shoulder playfully against his. “Now, where were we? Reminiscing about our adventures so far, right?”
“Ah, yes.” Rigel grins, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “The dives, the laughs, the…” He trails off, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Heat rises to my cheeks as I remember our charged moments. “The snark shack ?” I supply, fighting back a smile.
Rigel laughs, the sound warm and rich. “I’m never going to let you live that down, you know.”
I shove him playfully, enjoying the easy banter between us. “Not a chance.”
He leans closer, his breath tickling my ear. “But I think it’s adorable.”
My heart stutters at his proximity, at the tender sincerity in his voice. I’ve tried to keep a safe emotional distance, but Rigel has a way of tearing down my walls with his steady presence and easy affection.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” I murmur, holding his gaze. The urge to close the distance between us, to taste his lips again, is almost overwhelming.
But I resist, turning back to the sunset. As much as I long to lose myself in Rigel, I can’t afford to forget the reality of my situation. The secrets I carry, the danger that chases me. It’s not fair to drag him into my mess.
Still, as we sit in comfortable silence, watching the fiery sky melt into the sea, I can’t help but savor this stolen moment of peace in his company. For now, it’s enough.
The next morning, the sun casts a warm glow across the top deck of the Serenity as Rigel and I settle at a table for breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon fills the air, mingling with the salty tang of the ocean breeze.
I take a sip of my coffee, savoring the rich flavor. My gaze keeps drifting to the other passengers milling about the deck. They laugh and chatter, their faces alight with carefree joy. A pang of envy twists in my gut as I watch them, wishing I could let go of my worries and embrace the moment as easily as they do.
“Looks like fun, doesn’t it?” Rigel’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. He nods toward the ship’s slide, where a group of passengers are lining up for their turn.
I follow his gaze, watching as a young woman squeals with delight as she plummets down the forty-foot slide, splashing into the crystal-clear water below. “It does,” I admit, a wistful smile tugging at my lips. “Sometimes I wish I could be that fearless.”
Rigel studies me for a moment, his expression thoughtful. “You know, we could try something a little less intense. How about snorkeling?”
I blanch at the suggestion, my stomach churning with sudden nerves. “I don’t know, Rigel. I’m not exactly comfortable in the water. ”
“Ah, right. I forgot you’re a snark shack .” Rigel’s lips quirk into a teasing grin.
“ Har har. Very funny.” I roll my eyes, fighting back a smile.
“But seriously, Mia, you’ve got nothing to worry about. I’ll be right there with you, and I promise I won’t let any sharks nibble on your toes.”
“That’s not exactly reassuring,” I mutter, picking at the remnants of my breakfast.
“Hey, look at me.” Rigel’s expression softens, and he reaches across the table to take my hand.
Reluctantly, I meet his gaze, my heart skipping a beat at the intensity I find there.
“Do you trust me?” he asks, his thumb tracing gentle circles on the back of my hand.
I hesitate, my mind warring with my heart. I want to say yes, to let myself get lost in the promise of his words, but the logical part of me, the part that’s been running and hiding for so long, holds me back.
“I don’t know if I can do it,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “The water, the sharks, th-the unknown. It’s all just too much.”
I really want to do it, if only because it seems so important to him. Maybe that’s the part of me desperate to please.
Maybe I should trust him?
“I understand,” he says softly, his fingers tightening around mine. “You can hold my hand and cling to me if you need to. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”
There’s something in his voice, a fierce protectiveness that makes me want to believe him. He stares deeply into my eyes and my resistance crumbles.
“Okay,” I say, at last, my heart hammering in my chest. “Let’s do it.”
“Yeah?” Rigel’s face splits into a grin, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Yeah. But if I get eaten by a shark, I’m totally blaming you.” I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips .
“Fair enough.” He laughs, the sound warm and rich. “But I have a feeling you’re going to love it, Mia. Just wait and see.” He stands to leave, then leans in close, his lips brushing against my ear. “Meet me on the lower deck in half an hour, and don’t forget your snark repellent.”
“You’re impossible.” I swat at him playfully, shaking my head as he dodges away.
“But you love me anyway,” he calls over his shoulder, flashing me a cheeky grin.
And it’s true. I do. For some oddball reason, I’ve fallen head over heels for a man I barely know.
But don’t I know him?
He’s brave. He helps others. He’s a natural protector of those weaker than himself. He risked his life for duty to his country—a country I desperately hope will accept my plea for asylum.
I watch him go, my heart fluttering in my chest. He’s right, of course. Despite my fears, despite the secrets that threaten to tear us apart, I do love him. And maybe, just for today, I can let myself embrace that feeling.
With a deep breath, I head back to my cabin to change into my swimsuit. It’s time to face my fears and let Rigel show me the beauty of the world beneath the waves.