Secrets Aboard!, page 11
The balcony door on the other side swung open, and the captain emerged, standing next to the partition as he gazed towards him.
“Can’t sleep?” Captain Clarke asked.
Luka shook his head. “I guess your bed got too crowded with all your lies for you to sleep.”
“Put some clothes on,” the captain hissed, eyeing his naked body.
“Yes, sir.” Taking his time, Luka walked inside. He changed into a comfortable pair of shorts before making his way back to the balcony and sitting down.
The captain was seated in the chair beside Luka.
“Did you fly over here?” Luka grinned as he sat down beside him.
“I wanted to be closer to you.” He gently placed his hand on Luka’s, savoring the warmth of their touch.
With a swift motion, Luka pulled his hand away, breaking their contact. “Don’t touch me.”
“Okay. Let’s talk about how we can make it right with us. I want an ‘us’ with you.”
“We’re not an ‘us’ right now and probably never were or ever will be. I’d like to hear how you didn’t think I should know who you were.”
“I vowed to your father I’d keep my true identity a secret from you.”
“Why did he make you promise that?”
“He feared your rejection of the deal to serve time on my ship, thinking you might prefer going to prison.”
“He actually said that about me?” Luka leaned his head closer to the captain.
“He did. He said you’re very stubborn.”
“How would he know? I guess I’m a little stubborn. When I get something in my head, it stays there.”
“I’d say you’re on the stubborn side of things.”
“Stubborn,” Luka repeated, the word tasting sour on his tongue. It was true. He couldn’t deny it. But was it blind stubbornness, or a fierce loyalty to his own desires? A flicker of something warmer, perhaps a memory of stolen glances and shared laughter, sparked within him. Despite the anger, there was a connection that wouldn’t be easily extinguished.
The captain winked at him.
“If we’re ever going to be together, you need to understand I expect to be your number one concern, not your promises to others.”
“I don’t understand why you don’t value keeping your word. I’m as good as mine.”
Luka met Captain Clarke’s gaze, a challenge glinting in his eyes. The captain’s face, usually a stoic mask of command, reflected a vulnerability he hadn’t expected. Maybe, just maybe, there was room for compromise amidst the wreckage of misplaced promises. But compromise meant trust, and trust meant honesty.
“Being my number one concern,” Luka began, his voice low and firm, “doesn’t mean breaking promises. It means making me a part of them, Captain.”
“That’s something I need to learn, then. I don’t know how to do that.”
“Who you are is public information. You could have told me before we were together.”
“I knew you’d want to break the contract and not engage in a relationship with me because of who I was.”
“So, you made the choice for me. I didn’t get a say.”
“That’s not exactly the whole story. I thought it would be best for our relationship if you didn’t know that detail.”
“You mean best to help you persuade me to enter into a relationship with you?”
“Yes. I wanted you with me.”
“I had doubts about you because you hold too much power over me. I should have listened to myself instead of listening to my dick.”
Captain Clarke grinned. “I want us to work out as a couple, and if you let me know when I’m being too controlling, I can adjust my behavior.”
“Right now, you have most of the power in our relationship. I’m not willing to give you any more than you already hold. I wonder if that’s why you became interested in me in the first place. You had me where you wanted me.”
“You were under my total control and that was a big turn on and my first attraction to you, but it changed as I got to know you.”
“I don’t believe you’ve changed for a minute. You want to control me to where I have no choice when it comes to you or anything else in my life. You want me because I can’t leave you and your ship. You have me right where you want me.”
“I don’t know what to say to make you believe I want you in my life. When we’re in Sint Maarten, give me another chance to show you how much I want you for you.”
“I don’t have a choice, do I? I have to go with you since you don’t trust anyone to watch me.”
“You don’t have a choice because I’m in charge of you. But more than that, I want you with me.”
“You could just lock me in my cabin during the island stops like you told me on day one.”
“I’m not going to lock you in your cabin anymore. I trust you.”
“Why the sudden change?” Luka didn’t buy that the captain trusted him.
“Because I’m willing to break some rules for you.”
“I wish I could believe you. I’d want that more than anything.”
“Can I take you to breakfast tomorrow morning before you go to work?”
“I guess so. I’m going to try to sleep.”
“Good night, Luka.” The captain climbed back over the partition.
Luka made his way to his berth and wondered if he could forgive him. He wanted to in the worst way, but could he ever trust him?
Chapter 21 Luka
At five in the morning, Luka woke abruptly to the jarring sound of his phone ringing. When he picked up the phone, the sound of his mother’s voice greeted him, instantly grabbing his attention.
“Good morning, Luka. I’m sorry I was in surgery with a child when you called. Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Was the surgery successful?” Luka often worried about the children’s surgeries. He always hoped for a positive outcome for them and his mother.
“Yes, it was. We have a happy little girl and parents. Thanks for asking.”
“The captain of this ship is the man who owned the home Maleko burned down. Did you know?”
“Yes, your father told me. Is this a problem for you?”
“Yes, it’s a damn problem! You kept this information to yourself. How selfish could you be not to tell me? You wanted to get rid of me? Well, you did.”
“What are you talking about? Your father and I didn’t want you rotting away in prison because of that jackass boyfriend of yours.”
“You never liked Maleko. I know your opinion, so don’t repeat yourself.”
“Instead of being grateful you’re in a safe place under the direction of an honorable man, you’re complaining. Try learning a skill and some values from the captain. We’re all doing our best to ensure your safety.”
“I don’t appreciate you telling me I should be thankful for being kept in the dark about facts concerning me. I’ve got to go to work.” After ending the call, he wasted no time eagerly jumping into a refreshing shower. Afterward, the sensation of warm water still lingered on his skin as he secured a towel around his waist. The sound of the blow dryer filled the bathroom as he carefully styled his hair to perfection. Opening his closet, Luka was met with too many clothes choices at this hour, making it difficult for him to decide on the appropriate attire. The captain had told him not to wear his uniform when they went to the officers’ dining areas, but he also had to work, which required his uniform. He didn’t know where they were going, and he didn’t want to ask.
The door between their cabins swung open, revealing the captain dressed in full uniform.
“Good morning.”
“I’m not sure what to wear.”
“What you wore to dinner, then after, you can change into your uniform.”
Luka quickly dressed in slacks, a crisp shirt, and a perfectly knotted tie. Getting up and dressed at five in the morning was ridiculous, especially since he had slept little. He was not a morning person, but it was obvious the captain was.
“Ready?” Captain Clarke asked.
Luka nodded and followed him to the elevator. Neither said anything when they arrived in the Grand Dining room. They sat at the head table with the other officers. Charlie wasn’t with Officer Morgan.
A server asked them what they wanted, and they both ordered a pancake platter with fruit and yogurt. The captain poured him some coffee.
“I set up an email account for you so we can communicate. I’ve sent you some information about citizenship. Please fill it out after work.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Your email address and password are written on a green card on the bar top. The door between us isn’t locked. Use my laptop.”
“Thank you.”
No one came up to the table, and he wondered why. He looked around the room and only the officers were having breakfast. He figured the passengers weren’t invited for breakfast.
“Don’t worry about anything tomorrow,” Officer Morgan told the captain.
“I appreciate you taking over. Call if there are any problems.”
“Are we still going to Sint Maarten tomorrow?” Luka asked.
“Yes. I’m looking forward to it.”
Luka worried Maleko might show up or try to call him again using a different phone. What if Maleko had set Luka up to leave with him so he could hurt the captain more? If anything happened to the captain, it would be his fault. He was angry, but he didn’t want him hurt.
“I need to talk to you about something before I go to work,” Luka whispered to the captain.
“I’ll go back with you, and we’ll talk.”
After they finished breakfast, they returned to Luka’s cabin. They sat down together on the chairs around the small round table.
Luka’s heart pounded against his ribcage as he struggled to meet the captain’s gaze, his stomach twisted into knots of apprehension and fear. Maleko’s menacing words echoed in his mind.
“Captain,” Luka began, his voice trembling, “I…I need to tell you something very important.”
Captain Clarke’s brows furrowed in concern as he made eye contact with Luka, his eyes filled with curiosity. “What is it, Luka? You look upset.”
Taking a deep breath, Luka forced himself to maintain eye-contact with the captain. “Maleko…Maleko’s out of prison. He called me from Miami. And…I think he wants to hurt you.”
The color drained from Captain Clarke’s face as he processed Luka’s words, his jaw tightening with concern. “Maleko?”
Luka nodded, his chest constricting with tension. “He…he told me to sneak off the ship, to get away from you. He wants to hide me away and marry me. I think that’s just a con to get me away from you so he can hurt you more.”
A wave of guilt washed over Luka as he watched the captain’s expression shift from shock to anger. He knew Maleko’s hatred was as strong as when he had admitted to setting the captain’s home on fire for the first time. Luka couldn’t bear to see the hurt in Captain Clarke’s eyes. Despite everything, he still cared for him deeply.
Captain Clarke’s fists clenched at his sides, his features contorted with a mixture of fury and frustration. “Damn it,” he muttered, standing and pacing back and forth across the cabin.
“Did you know he was out of prison?” Luka asked.
“What did you tell him when he said he wanted to marry you?” He ignored Luka’s question, which didn’t go unnoticed.
“I hung up and blocked his number. I don’t think he wants to marry me. He’s using me to get to you. That’s what I think.”
“I’m glad you told me. We’re still going to the island, but I’ll get two guards to follow us.”
“I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“I’ll protect you from him, regardless. I’ll make sure security is on top of it, so he doesn’t burn down my ship.”
Luka’s heart ached at the sight of the captain’s distress. A pang of guilt stabbed his conscience. He wished he could take back the words he had spoken last night, to spare him from the pain and danger awaiting him. Deep down, he knew they couldn’t ignore Maleko’s threats.
As the captain turned to face him once more, his eyes filled with determination, Luka admired him for standing up to the problems facing them. Despite the danger, despite the risks, he was prepared to face Maleko head-on.
“I won’t let him hurt you, Luka.” The captain’s voice was filled with determination. “We’ll deal with this together.”
Tears welled up in Luka’s eyes as he nodded, overwhelmed by the captain’s unwavering resolve to work together even after he had told him to go to hell last night. Despite the fear and uncertainty created by Maleko, he knew if they stood together, they could overcome anything. The captain showed signs of wanting to work together like lovers in a real relationship instead of making plans behind his back. Trusting him again would be challenging at best, but he was determined to make them work.
Captain Clarke wiped Luka’s tears and took him in his arms. “I’m on your side, Luka. I want you to be happy and safe. I’d really like it if we could be happy together.”
“I’ll give it a try, but I’m worried about you.”
“Message me if you need me.” He kissed Luka on the cheek. As Captain Clarke prepared to leave the cozy cabin for another day’s work, the morning sunlight streamed in through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room.
“Hey, Westly! Can’t you do better than a cheek kiss?” Luka grinned.
Westly turned towards him, a soft smile playing on his lips. With a tender expression, he crossed the room and stood before Luka, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of affection.
In that moment, the air seemed charged with anticipation, as if every heartbeat echoed the unspoken desire between them. Without a word, Westly reached out, gently cupping Luka’s face in his hands, his touch tender and reassuring.
Luka leaned into the caress and closed his eyes as he savored the warmth of Westly’s hands against his skin. Westly closed the distance between them, his lips capturing Luka’s in a kiss that spoke of longing and promise.
Luka loved the tenderness and passion of Westly’s kiss. The silent declaration of their connection and the unspoken vows of Westly’s renewed commitment to him. It felt real to Luka. In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as Luka lost himself in Westly’s arms, their hearts beating as one.
All too soon, the kiss ended, leaving them both breathless and wanting more. With a soft sigh, Westly pulled away, his forehead resting against Luka’s as they shared one last lingering moment of intimacy.
“I’ll be back before you know it,” he whispered.
And with one final, longing look, Westly tore himself away from Luka, leaving the cabin with the memory of their kiss lingering on his lips, and the promise of more to come in the evening.
Chapter 22 Luka
Luka and Charlie scrubbed the deck under the scorching sun, beads of sweat trickling down their foreheads as they worked. The lively sounds of music and laughter from the passengers’ party echoed in the distance, serving as a constant reminder of their punishment. They exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the gravity of their situation.
“I can’t believe we’re stuck doing this,” Luka muttered, his voice tinged with frustration as he dipped the brush into the soapy water.
Charlie let out a resigned sigh, his shoulders slumping. “Yeah, but we knew the rules, Luka. We messed up.”
Luka nodded, scrubbing vigorously at a stubborn stain on the deck. “I know, I know. It’s just hard seeing and hearing everyone else having fun while we’re stuck here.” Luka’s parents had never forced him to do manual labor before. Cleaning was a foreign word to him. When he thought about it, his parents spoiled him by throwing money at him, so he never had to work or do any household chores.
Charlie paused, leaning on his brush for a moment as he looked out at the sparkling sea. “But hey, at least we’re in this together, right? We’ll get through it.”
Luka nodded. “How are things going with Brock?”
“Good. We can’t go to Sint Maarten tomorrow because you and the captain are. He’s taking over the ship for the day and night.”
“I’m sure you’ll have fun. I’m glad you have someone.”
“He’s going to let me follow him around to see what he does. How’s it going with the captain?”
“We had a big fight last night. He kept information from me that I should have known about my situation. Then, to make matters worse, my ex called me. He wants to meet me on the island, but the captain told me not to worry about it. So, we’re okay again this morning.”
“I think the captain and Brock like to be in control of everything. They don’t know how to do relationships. Brock orders me around like I’m a recruit.”
Luka laughed. “Westly does the same damn thing.”
“They have to learn we’re not their recruits.”
“But can they?”
“I think so. We’ll have to teach them how to have a shared partnership. They don’t get to make all the rules and decisions for us.”
Despite their predicament, Luka couldn’t help but crack a small smile at Charlie’s attempt to lighten the mood. “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, man.”
As they continued to work, the rhythm of their scrubbing matched the beat of the distant music. With each stroke of the brush, they found solace in their new friendship based on shared hardship, knowing together they could weather any storm.
The captain’s message popped up on his phone screen.
Captain Clarke: I miss you and can’t wait until tomorrow. I want to see you smile again. Security has been handled on and off the ship.
Luka: Thanks. I miss you too.
Luka’s worry about Maleko causing trouble still lingered in his mind.
Despite the punishing heat and unrelenting sun, Luka and Charlie persisted. They exchanged stories to make the time move faster. As they scrubbed away the remnants of their mistake, they agreed to never again stray from the rules of the cruise ship.
