Page 17 of A Fierce Princess

I blush. “Yes, it’s a nickname,” I explain.

He looks at me for a moment. “I like it. It suits you,” he says.

“Then by all means, please call her Anna,” Chris says with a laugh as he and Mia emerge from below deck.

Logan nods at my brother.

“So, paddleboarding?” Chris asks as he surveys the boards on the deck.

“Yep. I was just telling your sister about our morning. We’ll paddleboard around the cove, and then snorkel out by those rocks,” he says, pointing to the area he showed me a minute ago.

“Sounds like a plan,” Chris says. “Can I offer you a hand?” he asks Thomas.

Thomas hands him a paddleboard, and the two of them get the boards in the water and ready to go, complete with snorkels and fins tucked into the straps at the front of the boards.

Logan gives me a hand as I climb down the ladder and jump into the water. I manage to get on my board the first time, while Mia falls off hers twice before Chris takes pity on her and helps her on the board. Pete gets on last and the four of us begin following Logan. He points out various corals and fish as we paddle. It’s relaxing and fun. Chris jokes with me, and we mock fight with our paddles. It’s the first time in a while that we’ve just played together like children, not a care in the world. Chris uses his paddle to splash Mia and pretty soon everyone, including Pete, is splashing each other.

After about an hour, we make it around the cove to the reef. We put on our snorkels and fins and hop into the water. Logan points out sea creatures as we swim along the different types of coral. I’m able to point out some. Logan asks us where else we’ve snorkeled, and we launch into a discussion about different reefs around the world.

It’s lunchtime when we arrive back at the boat. Vicky has paninis ready for us and a coleslaw. We gorge on the food, before spending the afternoon hiking around part of the island. By the time we get back for dinner, I’m exhausted. We eat fresh fish for dinner. Afterward, everyone meanders up to the deck, and Vicky pulls out her guitar. There are drinks passed out, and we all sing songs as Logan steers us out toward a larger island where we’ll meet up with Auggie in the morning.

It’s peaceful as we sail along, the breeze blows through my hair, and I lie back on a cushion and enjoy the setting sun.

It only takes us a few hours to reach the larger island. I’m still lying on the cushion, staring up at the now dark night sky filled with stars and the moon as the dark shadow of the island grows larger on the horizon. It’s quiet and peaceful. It’s as my mind wanders that I’m struck by the fact that we are no longer out at the little island. In front of us is a large island with an airport. My stomach flips as I look back at Logan. I still have no idea how I’ll tell him about everything. I’m in need of a plan and quickly. I have five days left to figure out what to do. This will be the closest to civilization we get until we dock back on Nassau. I decide not to rush my plans. I’ll take my time and come up with some idea; there has to be a way.

I watch as Thomas and Vicky anchor us. I don’t go down below for a long time. I just lie there and contemplate my dilemma.

I don’t realize that I’ve fallen asleep until I feel someone touching my arm.

“Anna?” Logan says.

I open my eyes and find that the early morning sky is starting to lighten to a lighter blue. Although it’s still dark as the sun isn’t yet visible on the horizon. I rub my eyes.

“Sorry, I must have dozed off,” I say to him. It’s then I realize that there is a pillow tucked under my head and a blanket over me.

“I didn’t want you to get cold. I tried to wake you, but you were passed out. I didn’t think it was proper to carry a princess, not to mention it’s tough carrying someone down those little stairs,” he says with a laugh.

I giggle. “Well, I suppose carrying a princess is improper, but I appreciate it that you didn’t want to whack my head on a wall,” I reply.

“Can I get you some coffee?” he asks. “I was going to get a tender for us to go ashore. We can have a look around the historic part of the town, while we wait for your brother,” he says.

A flash of fear runs through me. M could be on that island. M could be anywhere.

“Are you alright?” he asks, kneeling so we are face-to-face.

I nod and swallow. “Sorry, uh, I’d rather do something in the water. Can we tour it by boat?” I suggest.

“Are you sure? There are some interesting old churches.” He frowns while he thinks, and it’s cute to watch. “Actually, I could relocate the boat, and we could take the dinghy over to a church on the far side of the island if you like?” he adds.

I smile. “That sounds perfect,” I say, feeling thankful that I’ve bought myself more time to figure out this mess I’ve made.

“Great, I’ll let Thomas know. Vicky just started breakfast, so you have time to shower and change if you like,” he says.

He holds out a hand and helps me to my feet. I lose my footing, and he grabs my other arm, hauling me against him. I feel a rush of electricity between us, like static cling but different. He freezes and pulls back. I see a fleeting look of confusion on his face.

“I…are you alright?” he asks.

I nod. “Y-yes,” I stammer, attempting to get my bearings while processing what just happened.

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