Chapter 14
JARED
A fter a busy week of filming, I was ready to unwind.
I was looking forward to tonight’s dinner party on board.
The film was taking shape, the costars were civil to each other, and the weather had cooperated.
But filming in ninety-degree heat and humidity was not without challenges.
Still, the people on Ko Samet were friendly and helpful. We had a local guide give us a tour of the island, and he even helped us out when our translator was on break.
Alex was quiet, but he didn’t seem as stressed as he did when we were in L.A.
I guess the lack of paparazzi had him breathing easier. It gave me a greater peace of mind as well. It was so nice not to be chased and hounded, to be free from flashing mobs of people and cameras.
But I knew I couldn’t stay here forever.
I’d be back in California soon enough, facing the frenzy, facing my abuser. And once I was back, the press would be relentless.
But Aiden would be coming with us, so that gave me great comfort. More than I cared to admit.
Putting aside thoughts about returning home, I got dressed in pink linen shorts and a matching button-down.
I left my hair loose and added a spritz of my favorite new cologne, a scent I had hand-blended in Bangkok.
The mix of citrus undertones and earthy spices was light enough for the heat but warm enough to linger.
I took one last look in the mirror.
I liked to wear makeup on occasion, but with the heat I couldn’t be bothered. I would sweat it off before I could finish my appetizer.
“Whatever, you’re not here to impress anyone,” I said to my reflection.
That wasn’t true.
There were two men I always wanted to impress. Hell, I wanted their attention more than anything.
And, of course, the nerves in my belly began to flutter like mad just thinking about them.
Then I thought about that day at the beach, just the three of us, and the flutters intensified.
I should find a handsome stranger to have fun with. Maybe it would make me forget, at least for a while, right?
Right.
If anything, the longer I spent with Alex and Aiden the more my feelings intensified. Even though my brain knew it wasn’t wise.
It’s not happening.
It can’t work.
It’s too fucking complicated.
And what about Aiden? I’d been so busy this week, I didn’t notice if he’d gone ashore. Maybe he’d found release in someone else’s arms.
My stomach pitched in a painful way just thinking about him fucking some stranger.
Thinking about him and Alex, on the other hand, got me way too excited.
And now I needed another moment to calm down before I headed up on deck. Taking a few deep breaths, I centered myself and I was ready to go.
Opening my door, I smiled at the sight of Alex waiting for me, as usual.
“Do you sleep in the hallway? Every time I open my door, there you are,” I commented. “And there’s no need; I’m pretty sure that I’m safe on board this ship.”
And if not, come sleep in my bed. Then you can guard me all night long.
“Habit. I don’t mind waiting, since I know exactly how long it takes you to get ready. And I’m always happy to escort you.”
“Escort me? I’m not a member of the royal family,” I muttered and shook my head.
“No, you’re not. You’re the most intriguing man I’ve ever met.”
Why? Why did he have to go and say something like that?
All the willpower I’d been harnessing a minute ago started fading away.
Then I ran my eyes up his form, noting the tight navy shorts and white polo shirt that fit him to perfection, showing off his strong biceps and veiny forearms. The forearms that I fantasized about endlessly.
How would they feel wrapped around my naked waist?
Holding me tight.
Never letting go.
But it was his eyes that always held my attention, the blue even brighter now that his face was tan from a week under the sun.
“Do I pass inspection?” Alex asked me, offering that rare smile of his.
“I don’t think you want the answer to that question,” I quipped and walked past him, heading for the stairs.
“And what if I did?”
I turned slowly and caught a rare glimpse of longing in his eyes. Then I blinked and it was gone.
Probably all in my imagination.
“Don’t. It’s been difficult enough,” I bit out, then turned and walked up the stairs.
I couldn’t take a flirty Alex.
That never happened, and knowing that there was nothing I could do about it made me irritable and even more frustrated than I was earlier.
Alex followed me, and I could’ve sworn I felt his gaze burning into my back.
Then, as I reached the deck, I heard the clink of glassware and the murmur of voices.
Thank God for social distraction.
I stepped out onto the bridge deck to find Dylan chatting with Aiden, Tate, and Rafe. George was conversing with Reed and pointing at something off to the starboard side.
I waved at Rafe and drew closer, and he ran over and gave me a quick hug.
“Tone down the smile, you’re blinding me,” I quipped, raising my hand in front of my face.
“That’s what I said.”
Dylan wandered over and rubbed Rafe’s head, messing up his hair.
“Hey! No touching the hair, or my husband will pitch you overboard,” Rafe warned with a luminous grin.
Rafe was a former model, a stunning man with long golden hair, big blue eyes, and a lithe body made for runway catwalks. More than anything, he was a kind and generous man who cared deeply about his friends and family. Just like Aiden, he tended to cover up his sensitivities with humor.
And he was fun and flirty to boot. George had his hands full.
“Isn’t it a bit awkward with Reed here?” I whispered to him. “You used to date.”
“No,” he shook his head. “I attended that movie premiere with him once, but just as friends. There was no sex involved.”
“I see you’re bypassing the usual social pleasantries?” George’s voice teased as he drew closer and wrapped his arm around Rafe’s waist.
“Jared was asking about Reed.”
“Ah. No matter. Rafe belongs to me now,” George declared, and Rafe turned his head towards his husband for a kiss.
“I guess I don’t need to ask how married life is treating you,” I quipped.
“I’ve never been happier,” Rafe gushed as his face heated.
George smiled in return and seeing the stern-faced captain practically glowing was quite the transformation.
“When’s dinner?” Dylan interrupted. “I’m starved.”
“It should be served shortly,” George replied as he looked towards the bar. “In fact, I see Jana signaling to me. It’s time to take our seats.”
I was grateful to whoever designed the seating arrangement.
I got a bit of distance from Alex and Aiden for once.
Rafe and George sat at each end of the long table. I was seated to Rafe’s left, and beside me were Tate and Aiden. Reed, Alex, and Dylan sat across from us.
The first course was a lovely seafood soup fragrant with lemongrass and ginger.
Everything was relaxed and convivial, but I noticed Reed was drinking a lot more than on our previous nights out.
One glass of wine became two, then three. Then he requested tequila shots and my nerves fired up.
Having gone down that road before so many times myself, I glanced over, concerned. I noticed Dylan’s worried gaze as well.
Both of us knew that nothing good was coming next.
“I love your accent, it’s really sexy,” Reed said to Alex, throwing an arm around his chair and leaning in close. “What part of England are you from?”
My body stiffened at Reed’s flirty conversation. I wanted to say something stupid like ‘hands off,’ but I held back.
Beside me, Tate gripped his water glass, his knuckles turning white.
Alex’s face flushed.
“London. Born and raised.”
“What do you do when you’re not guarding Jared?” Reed took another shot of tequila and licked his lips. “What do you do for fun?”
Alex shifted in his chair and reached for his water.
“I work out. I like to read. I also enjoy extreme sports. Gets my adrenaline going.”
“You certainly get mine going, your body is phenomenal.” Reed leaned in closer, mouth way too close to Alex’s ear. “What kind of sports are you into?”
Alex didn’t seem to mind Reed’s flirting. That had my temper sparked and I couldn’t focus on my conversation with Rafe.
I looked down the table and noticed Aiden chatting with George. While his words were flowing, his eyes kept following Alex.
“Base jumping, skydiving, rock climbing,” Alex replied.
“Have you done any of that here? I’d be happy to go with you on your day off.”
“Sure, why not,” Alex nodded politely.
I nearly bent the fork I was holding in half.
“Great,” Reed gushed. “Say, why don’t you come back to Ko Samet with me tonight? We can continue our conversation in private.”
I was having a hard time breathing.
“Jared?” Rafe’s voice startled me.
“Yes, sorry, I zoned out there for a moment,” I replied, turning to him but waiting for Alex’s answer.
Would he go with Reed? Would they hook up? My stomach was ready to revolt, despite the lovely dinner.
“I said, are you okay? You don’t look well,” Rafe replied.
My stomach flipped over again in the worst way.
“I’m fine. It’s just been a long week. I’m overtired.” I waved him off.
My heart was pounding out of control, and I took a sip of water to cool down.
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll have to decline,” Alex responded to Reed. “I can’t leave Jared.”
“Jared’s not in any danger here, come on. The ship is crawling with other security staff. I’m sure he won’t mind.”
I did mind. A whole fucking lot.
“I certainly would,” I snapped, my jealousy finally winning out.
Alex looked over at me, and I saw a hint of a grin.
Smug bastard.
“Then I’ll stay here. Problem solved,” Reed offered, touching Alex’s shoulder.
“This isn’t a hotel,” Aiden bit out. “And kindly stop touching him. Can’t you see you’re making him uncomfortable?”
“It’s all right, Aiden.”
Alex held up a hand.
“Whoa, relax. I’m flirting. And I don’t see a ring on his finger.” Reed shook his head and reached for his wine glass, taking a gulp. “Why’s everyone so uptight?”
“Because we’re trying to have dinner with friends and you’re acting like a drunk ass. Go find some rando tonight when you get back to the island, and be satisfied with that,” Tate taunted, giving Reed a glare that had the table suddenly quiet.
Reed ignored Tate and motioned for Jana, requesting another shot.
“Keep drinking, man, but you’re gonna have a hard time getting it up later,” Tate continued.
Oh fuck.
Reed shook his head.
“I have no problems in that department, Tater . Unlike you.”
“Okay, let’s have coffee on the sun deck,” Rafe announced loudly and stood up.
“Great idea.”
I threw down my napkin.
Everyone got up and followed Rafe.
But instead of heading upstairs, I went inside. I didn’t want to listen to Reed and Tate argue, and I certainly didn’t want to watch Reed flirt with Alex again.
I walked into my bedroom and slammed the door, locking it.
A minute later, my phone pinged. I reluctantly looked at it.
Alex: Are you okay?
Jared: No
Alex: What’s wrong?
Jared: If you need to ask, you don’t know me as well as you think you do.