Page 15 of A Fierce Princess

We sit, and he begins to point out various little islands and atolls, suggesting the best ones for various activities. Vicky lays down a menu for us.

“This was prepared based on the food suggestions you made upon booking the trip,” she says. “I can change anything you like now, or with twenty-four notice.”

We glance at it.

“The catch of the day will vary as we fish at each location,” she adds.

“Looks great, thank you, Vicky,” my brother says. She blushes and nods at him. I notice she glances quickly at Logan, and I somehow get the sneaking suspicion that Logan didn’t relay our “royal” status to his crew. They all seem super down-to-earth, and yet very good at what they do. I’m wondering if this wasn’t the vibe my brother had in mind when he went hunting for the perfect charter. It’s not a megayacht or some other ridiculous vessel that you’d expect royalty to be aboard. And quite frankly, that makes it so much more appealing.

Logan is patient with us as we confirm that the menu looks great and his suggested island stops are perfect. He explains where we’ll pick up Auggie and his bodyguard. Vicky brings us drinks, and we all cheers to a great voyage.

“Well, settle in and enjoy. It’s time to head out,” Logan says with a smile as he makes his way back up to the deck.

I stay for a moment with my brother and Mia who chat excitedly about the trip.

“I’m going to go watch the scenery,” I say to them. Pulling my phone out, so that it appears I’m going to take photos.

“We’ll be up in a minute. I just need to go over something with Mia,” Chris says.

“Right,” I say as I make my way up the narrow stairs. I roll my eyes. I’m sure it’s more like he wants to be over Mia. I pop up out of the cabin and see Thomas is adjusting the sails, while Logan is at the wheel. I stay out of their way and walk to the front of the boat. I settle myself down and watch as they steer us out of the marina. A few people wave to us as we head out to sea, and I wave back.

I hope my sunglasses and hat keep me from being spotted. I scan nervously for paps, but I don’t see any. I sigh with relief. I wait until we are out in more open water before I make my way back toward Logan. I need to stay cool, calm, and collected. I can’t get distracted by his good looks and charming personality.

“So, finding everything acceptable?” Logan asks me as I approach him.

I smile. “Yes, very much so, thanks,” I respond. “So, how’d you get into chartering?” I ask, trying to pry.

He laughs. “It’s a long story, but the short version is that I grew up sailing with my mom and grandparents. We spent a lot of time here on the islands, and when my mom died a few years ago, I inherited some money and decided to do this full-time,” he says.

“I’m sorry to hear about your mom,” I say to him.

“Thanks. It was very hard. We were close, but I’m luckier than some. She was able to see me through the majority of life’s major milestones growing up,” he says. “Sorry…I didn’t mean…” He trails off as he realizes I, too, have lost a parent at a much younger age.

I throw up a hand. “It’s alright, really. I was very little when my mom died. It was a long time ago,” I say.

“Still, it must have been difficult,” he says.

I nod. “Yes. I think losing your parent is always difficult, don’t you agree?” I ask.

“I suppose it’s tough no matter at what age,” he agrees.

“So,” he says, “are you enjoying your trip?”

I smile. “Yeah. It’s nice to get away for a while. I’m excited my brothers can join me.”

Chris chooses that second to poke his head out of the stairwell.

“Mind if we join you?” he asks.

“Come on up,” Logan says. “It’s going to be a beautiful night.”

Mia follows Chris up the stairs, and they walk toward us. I notice my brother’s face is a little flush, and I can’t help smirking at him, but he ignores me.

Logan points out various landmarks as we sail amongst the islands. It doesn’t seem long before Vicky is calling everyone in for dinner.

We eat in two shifts, staff eat after the guests who are joined by the captain.

It’s booth seating, and somehow, I get squeezed between Logan and Chris. I inhale Logan’s scent, and I’m suddenly not hungry. He smells like saltwater and fresh air, and there’s a hint of an expensive cologne that has my mouth salivating to lick his skin. I shake my head at my thoughts.

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