Chapter 12
The private yacht was not what Claudia had expected.
When Mark had mentioned a “casual luncheon” with some business associates, she’d pictured a restaurant.
Maybe one of those exclusive places that didn’t advertise and required connections just to get a reservation.
She had not pictured being ferried out to a sleek two-hundred-foot-long mega yacht anchored in Monaco’s harbor, its pristine white hull gleaming in the Mediterranean sun.
“This is Mark’s?” she asked Sam quietly as they approached in the tender boat.
“One of several, I believe.” Sam’s hand rested on her back as the boat drew alongside. “He keeps this one in European waters for business.”
A crew member in crisp white and navy helped her aboard, his movements smooth and practiced. Claudia felt his shifter energy immediately. Jaguar. As was the young woman who greeted them at the top of the stairs, and the man tending bar on the aft deck. Mark’s people. All of them.
It made sense, she supposed. When you were discussing sensitive business, you wanted crew you could trust absolutely. And who better than your own Clan?
“Sam! Claudia!” Sullivan’s voice carried across the deck. She was stretched out on a lounge chair in wide-legged linen pants and a silk halter top, looking effortlessly glamorous behind oversized sunglasses. “Come meet everyone!”
The aft deck was spacious and beautifully appointed.
Comfortable seating areas, a well-stocked bar, and a beautifully appointed dining table under a large awning.
In addition to Mark and Shelly, and Nick and Sullivan, three other couples were already there.
They were all impeccably dressed in that casual-but-expensive way that Claudia was learning to recognize.
Mark handled the introductions with smooth efficiency. James and Caroline Winters, who apparently owned half the vineyards in Tuscany. Robert and Diana Liu, tech investors from Singapore. And Thomas and Margot Laurent, French shipping magnates who’d known Mark’s family for generations.
All human and non-magical, as far as Claudia could tell. All wealthy beyond imagination. And all looking at her with polite curiosity that made her hyperaware of every word that came out of her mouth.
“Claudia is consulting with Kinkaid Industries on some maritime acquisitions,” Sam explained smoothly, his hand still at her back. “She has family connections to the fishing and charter industry in Texas.”
“How fascinating,” Caroline said, though her tone suggested it was anything but. “And how did you two meet?”
“Through a mutual friend,” Claudia said, keeping her smile warm. “She thought Sam’s company could benefit from my expertise.”
“And has it?” This from Diana Liu, whose sharp eyes missed nothing. “Benefited, I mean?”
“I’d like to think so.” Claudia glanced at Sam, letting just a hint of something softer show in her expression. “Though I suppose Sam would have to answer that.”
“She’s been invaluable,” Sam said, and the way he looked at her made Claudia’s breath catch. He was good at this. Almost too good for her peace of mind. “I don’t know how I managed up ‘til now without her.”
“How sweet,” Margot Laurent said with a knowing smile. “Young love is always a joy to see.”
“We’re not—” Claudia started, but Sam squeezed her waist gently.
“We’re taking things slowly,” he said, his tone suggesting the topic was closed. “Now, Mark, I believe you mentioned something about having business to discuss?”
Mark took the hint smoothly. “Indeed. Gentlemen, shall we retire to the salon? I have some excellent scotch and some proposals that might interest you.”
The men departed, leaving the women on the sun deck. One of the jaguar crew members appeared almost immediately with a tray of margaritas in salt-rimmed glasses, condensation already beading on the outside.
“Oh, bless you, Rafael,” Sullivan said, taking two and handing one to Claudia. “This is exactly what I needed.”
“Senora, it is always a pleasure.” The young man’s smile was warm and genuine before he distributed drinks to the other women and disappeared back inside.
“So,” Caroline said once they were settled, “Sullivan, darling, we were so surprised to see you on the guest list for the gala. I didn’t realize you and Mark were so close.”
“Oh, Mark and I aren’t particularly close,” Sullivan said easily. “Nick and Mark are brothers in all but blood. I’m just the actress who happens to be moderately famous and gets invited places because of it.”
Diana’s eyebrows rose. “So, Nick is your plus-one? I thought—”
“That Mark got us all in?” Sullivan’s laugh was warm and untroubled. “No, I got the invite and had a break in my shooting schedule, so here I am. Nick very graciously agreed to come with me.”
“That’s very secure of you both,” Margot observed. “Not every man could handle that dynamic without ego getting in the way.”
“Nick doesn’t have an ego problem,” Sullivan said simply. “He knows who he is and what he brings to the table. He doesn’t need to be the one with the invitation to feel valued.”
Claudia found herself impressed by Sullivan’s easy confidence. There was no defensiveness in her tone, no need to justify or explain. She simply stated facts and let others think what they would.
“Besides,” Sullivan continued, taking a sip of her margarita, “Nick is probably having more fun talking business with the men than I would. He and Mark have been working together for years. They have a rapport I couldn’t begin to match.”
“And what exactly does Nick do?” Caroline asked. “I’ve never been quite clear on that.”
“He’s Mark’s head of security,” Sullivan said. “Though that’s a bit like calling the ocean damp. Nick runs everything that keeps Pepard Industries and Mark’s personal interests protected. He’s brilliant at it.”
“Security.” Caroline’s tone suggested this was somehow beneath notice. “How interesting.”
Claudia bit her tongue against the sharp retort that wanted to escape.
She’d seen enough in her work with the Kinkaid Clan to know that security was anything but a minor position.
Gavin, Sam’s security chief, was one of the most competent people she’d ever met, and she suspected Nick was cut from the same cloth.
“It is interesting, actually,” Diana said mildly. “In our world, good security is worth its weight in gold. The threats are complex and constantly evolving. It takes real intelligence and skill to stay ahead of them.”
“Exactly,” Sullivan agreed. “Nick could probably buy and sell half the people at this event, but he prefers to keep a low profile. He likes his privacy.”
That surprised Claudia. She hadn’t realized Nick was that wealthy in his own right. She’d assumed he drew a salary from Mark, albeit probably a generous one. But Sullivan was suggesting something else entirely.
“Now, Claudia,” Margot said, turning her attention away from Sullivan. “Tell us more about yourself. Where did you study? What drew you to maritime consulting?”
Here it was. The gentle interrogation disguised as friendly interest. Claudia took a sip of her margarita, buying herself a moment to think.
“My father ran a charter fishing boat out of Galveston, and I spent my teenage years helping him crew it, learning the water and the business from the ground up.”
“And your education?” Caroline pressed.
“Trade school, mostly. Metalwork and jewelry design, actually.” Claudia smiled. “I have an artist’s soul but a practical need to pay bills. The maritime consulting came later, after I’d established some other business connections.”
“Jewelry design?” Diana leaned forward with genuine interest. “How lovely. Do you still practice?”
“When I have time.” Claudia thought of the protective items she’d made for Sam, the hours spent imbuing gold with magic and intention. “It’s more of a hobby now than a profession.”
“You should show us your work sometime,” Margot said. “I’m always looking for unique pieces. The mass-produced stuff at the big houses is so tiresome.”
“Perhaps.” Claudia kept her tone noncommittal. “Most of what I make is fairly simple. Nothing like what you’d find at the gala tonight, I’m sure.”
“Sometimes, simple is better,” Sullivan said, holding up her left hand.
Her wedding ring was a simple platinum band with a single perfect diamond.
“Nick gave me this when we got married. I have drawers full of jewelry from designers who send me things, hoping I’ll wear them on a red carpet, but this is the only piece that matters. ”
The other women murmured agreement, though Claudia noticed Caroline’s rings were significantly more elaborate. Multiple bands, large stones, the kind of ostentatious display that announced wealth at first glance.
“So, Claudia,” Diana said, her tone casual, “how serious are things with Sam? You seem quite comfortable together.”
Claudia felt heat creep up her neck. “It’s early days. We’re still figuring things out.”
“But there is something to figure out?” Margot pressed gently.
“Maybe.” Claudia met her gaze. “Sam is… He’s an incredible man. But he has a lot of responsibilities. I’m not sure where I fit into all of that just yet.”
It was closer to the truth than she’d intended to get. The words slipped out before she could stop them, and she saw understanding flicker across Sullivan’s face.
“Powerful men come with complicated lives. It’s not always easy to find your place in that world. But if he’s worth it, you’ll figure it out together,” Sullivan counselled.
“And Nick is worth it?” Claudia asked, genuinely curious.
Sullivan’s smile was radiant. “Every single day. Even the hard ones. Maybe especially the hard ones.”
“Sam Kinkaid has quite the reputation,” Caroline said. “The reclusive billionaire who never attends events, suddenly appearing at the Celestine Gala. It’s caused quite a stir, you know.”
“Has it?” Claudia tried to sound unconcerned.