8
Khalil
Trevor’s read-through and blocking rehearsal lasted for two hours. Fortunately, he didn’t have to be at dinner until seven. He told me his contract required him to dine at the captain’s table every night to impress the wealthier cruise passengers. I hoped that didn’t mean they were snobs. Trevor was not one to hold back if someone insulted him.
Tonight was White Night, which meant passengers were encouraged to wear all white to dinner. I happened to own an all-white tuxedo, along with shoes to match. It came in handy when I had to do security for formal events. Trevor wouldn’t tell me what he was going to wear. He said it was a surprise.
I was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoying the way the setting sun sparkled golden on the ocean, when I heard Trevor’s door open. I turned and lost the ability to speak. Trevor was a vision in white. He wore a white silk-and-lace camisole under a sheer white blouse that floated around him like a cloud. His white silk trousers had lace insets along the outer seam. Completing the look was a pair of glittering silver high-heeled pumps. His makeup was subtle, with just a touch of color on his cheeks and silver eyeliner highlighting his smoky-gray eyes. His golden-blond hair fell in soft waves around his face, giving him an ethereal look.
“Wow,“
I breathed. “You look like an angel.”
A blush rose to his cheeks. “Thank you.”
I went to him and took both his hands in mine. Raising them to my lips, I kissed them one at a time. “I am so lucky to have you on my arm tonight.”
Trevor leaned in and kissed my cheek. “I’m the lucky one. You look fantastic.”
“Thank you.“
I returned his kiss and held out my arm. “Shall we go?”
He wrapped his hand around my arm. “Yes. Let’s give them a show.”
I couldn’t express how proud I was to be escorting this beautiful man to dinner. He moved with such grace and elegance, even in four-inch heels. It was no surprise that everywhere we went on the ship, heads turned and eyes followed.
The hostess at the entrance to the dining room smiled at us, her gaze lingering on Trevor. “Good evening, Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Azar.“
She gestured toward a young man in a white uniform. “Francisco will escort you to the captain’s table.”
Trevor inclined his head. “Thank you.”
The dining room was set up like an atrium, giving us a view of all the happenings on the first floor. We followed Francisco through the maze of tables to a large round table toward the back of the room that overlooked the main floor.
The ship’s captain was standing near the table, having a conversation with a man in a crew uniform. Francisco led us right to the captain and introduced us. “Captain Haviland, Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Azar.”
Captain Haviland smiled at us and held out his hand. “Nice to meet both of you. Welcome aboard Angel of the Seas.”
We each shook his hand and took our seats. Trevor was seated to the captain’s right, and I was next to Trevor. Once all the other passengers were seated, the servers came to take our drink orders. Captain Haviland was excited about What If? debuting on the ship. He asked Trevor a lot of questions about the production and how the first rehearsal went. The other guests joined in the conversation, and I just sat back and watched Trevor shine.
Not long after the server took our dinner orders, a camera flash startled us. “What the fuck?“
I murmured.
Several more flashes quickly followed the first, making it hard to see. “What’s going on?“
Captain Haviland demanded.
The flashing stopped, and I was able to finally see the photographer. I heard Trevor’s quick intake of breath just before I recognized Simon Davies standing by the table with his camera aimed at Trevor.
Simon’s gaze never left Trevor as he answered with a sneer. “I was asked to get as many pictures as possible of Mr. Lawrence.”
Captain Haviland’s brows furrowed. “By whom?”
Simon blinked and finally looked at the captain. “What?”
Captain Haviland rose from his seat. “I asked who told you to take pictures of Mr. Lawrence while he was having dinner at my table? Especially after I left strict instructions for the exact opposite.”
Simon opened his mouth, but nothing came out. I got up and stood behind Trevor. “This is the photographer who’s been harassing Mr. Lawrence for months. I don’t know how he got on the ship, but I’d like to request that he not be allowed to photograph Trevor anymore while he’s onboard.”
“You can’t do that!“
Simon shouted.
I saw Captain Haviland gesture to someone behind me. “But I can and will.”
Two large men went around to where Simon was standing, each taking one of his arms. Simon struggled. “You can’t do this. I have a right to take any pictures I want!“
His shouts continued all the way through the dining room until he was out of sight.
I blew out a breath and squeezed Trevor’s shoulder. “Are you all right?”
He put his hand over mine. “I’m fine. He’s gone. I’m not going to let him ruin this trip.“
He patted my chair. “Come sit. I want to spend this time with you.”
I took my seat, marveling at how lucky I was that this wonderful man wanted me.