Page 8 of Sail Me to Ruin
“Look at you, my pretty little Storm. Are you sure you aren’t trying to wreck me, because this seems like you’re on track for it,” he says smugly while gesturing to his soaked shirt.
“Hello again,Blaise. I didn’t realize you not watching where you walk was me being a storm, but since I am such a problemfor you, I’ll be going now.Again,” I jab, trying to prove that it’s me not him walking away from the pull.
Jade’s eyebrows raise hearing me give sass when that’s not my normal demeanor. Instead of saying anything, she keeps our fingers intertwined to make sure we stay together and waits to see what I want to do.
Thank God for best friends.
He grins like a fox in a henhouse before wrapping his hand around my wrist, jerking me close so he can lean down and whisper in my ear. “Don’t think this is the last you’re going to see of me, pretty little Storm. I don’t normally let go of the things I want. You owe me a conversation.”
It takes everything I have not to lean into him because the allure he gives off makes me want to drown in him. To know just once what it feels like to be owned in a way that I choose to be.
Steeling myself once more, I decide to hell with this. I’m going to enjoy this cruise on my own terms.
Kissing his cheek gently, I whisper back, “I owe you nothing. Once you learn that, we can talk. Good night.”
Jerking my wrist from his hand, I nod at Jade to take off again and we shoot inside to tuck in for the night. I look back before the door closes and find him staring at me with a look somewhere between lust and loathing.
This is going to be a long four days...
We finally make it back to our room, and once we’re inside, Jade wraps me in a hug.
“You can’t deny that you’re attracted to him, El.”
Sliding off my shoes, I snap back, “Nobody said he’s not hot, Jay. The man is a good kisser, chemistry is there, I know. But I want him to come to me on my terms. Not just because he feels like I owe him something. I want him to want me for me.”
She smiles sadly at me for a moment then responds, “I want that for you too, but I heard how you talk to him. It’s like yougrew a backbone you don’t have with most of the people in your life. It’s a light I wish you had more often. I think I just like getting to see you that way. I love you and want you to be able to defend yourself like that with everyone. Not just some guy on this cruise.”
The words hurt in such a good way, knowing I have someone who loves and cares for me and thinks of my needs first, matters so much. Tears form in the corners of my eyes and I swipe them furiously, trying to erase their existence.
“Thank you.”
She nods. “It’s what best friends are for. Go get some rest! We have a big day of lying out, drinking, and eating divine food on the open seas before we get to Mexico!”
I smile as I walk into my room and get ready to settle in for the night.
Maybe she’s right. Getting under someone may be the perfect way to let off some steam.
CHAPTER FOUR
blaise
“Doyou think that shit is funny,little bro?” I cut my eyes at him before sipping the cheap-ass beer he gave me.
He full belly chuckles as if creating uncomfortable situations for me is what he lives for. My fingers twitch at the urge to wrap my hands around his neck.
“Would mom really miss you? I feel like it might bring her joy to not have to worry about you blowing money or your poor taste in women.” That comment catches him off guard, causing his laughter to cease quickly.
“Blaise, you agreed to come on this cruise with me to help me get over my broken heart. How was I supposed to know that the girl was a firecracker underneath the shy exterior? Like shit…she seemed quiet enough and you two were practically eye fucking all evening. You need to relax. Also, fuck you, you might be the sensible one but we BOTH know that I am our mother’s favorite. So, no, you can’t throw me overboard.” He knocks his shoulder into mine as we stare out at the crowd of people fucked up and dancing.
We settle back into silence because we both know he’s right.
Mom loves the little terror despite my protests the past twenty-three years.
Attempting to ignore the girl who walked away from me, my eyes roam over other women in the crowd. I try to find another that could be fun to play with.
No matter how hard I try, my eyes come back to her.
Elodie.
