Before he can answer, Delilah reaches us and gives me a shy smile. "Hi, Quentin. I hope it's okay that I came. Killian said you wouldn't mind."

I can feel my face heating up as I try to come up with a response that won't reveal my anger. "Of course not," I finally manage, hoping my voice doesn't betray me. "It's great to see you again, Delilah."

I turn to Killian, shooting daggers at him with my eyes. He just winks before making a quick excuse to leave us alone.

"Sorry about that," I say, trying to make small talk. "It's just been a long day and I wasn't expecting... anyone."

"I totally understand," Delilah says sympathetically. "But I'm glad I came. I had a great time at the engagement party and I was hoping we could get to know each other better."

My heart softens at her words. But it's out of the question.

I can't get involved with anyone right now.

Not with someone like Delilah who is sweet and innocent and deserves better than me. Not when my heart is still aching for someone who, at the moment, doesn't know what she wants.

"I'm sorry, Delilah," I say, placing my drink back on the bar. I tighten my jaw. "You're a great person, but... I just don't think it's a good idea for us to pursue anything."

Delilah's face falls. "But why?" she asks, her voice trembling slightly. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no. You're amazing. It's just... complicated." I glance over and spot a flowy white dress and dark hair. My heart skips a beat. I grab my drink, downing what's left... just as Carmina's eyes meet mine. I turn back to Delilah. “Complicated by the fact that I’m so in love with someone else that I can’t see straight.” I nod at the bar. "Enjoy the champagne. It's on me."

Carmina looks away, but it's too late. Shoulders squaring, I take a deep breath before walking over to the woman who's been avoiding me for the last day and a half.

No more waiting. No more space.

No more indecision.

I've made my decision and I'm not letting her slip away again.

Chapter Thirty

QUENTIN

Just as I'm gearing up to march over to Carmina, ready to lay all my cards on the table, Derek plants himself firmly in my path.

Before I can dodge him, his arm swings around my shoulder like we're old pals, but his grip is anything but friendly. "Not so fast, little brother."

In what feels like a coordinated ambush, Killian appears on my other side, grinning mischievously but with serious eyes.

"Party's this way," he says, nodding towards an isolated room at the far end of the yacht.

The last thing I see before being unceremoniously hauled away is Carmina’s gorgeous face.

Great. Just what I need.

We stumble into the room, and there sits Alton, looking like he's temporarily abandoned world domination to grace us with his presence.

Hustled over to my own seat, I glance around, unable to contain the snort that escapes.

"Alright, spill. What happened? One of you get engaged again or something?" I eye Killian. "What, it's your turn now, and you couldn't wait until the actual engagement party?"

Alton's expression is completely unreadable, which is never a good sign. Derek and Killian exchange a look before turning back to me. "We just need to talk," Derek says, his tone unusually serious.

I sit up straighter. "What's going on?"

Killian leans forward, clasping his hands together. "It's about Carmina."

"What about her?"