Secrets Aboard!, page 6
“What happened to Brent?”
“He was sent to another deck. I’m sorry I got you in trouble,” Charlie said.
“You didn’t get me in trouble. I didn’t have to go. I wanted to. I just wish he hadn’t found me so early.”
“Brock told me he wanted to fuck me,” Charlie said.
“Did he?”
“Nope. He got a phone call from Captain Clarke.”
“Alright, deckhands,” Mr. Griffin barked, his voice clipped and short. “You two are movin’ like snails on sedatives. This deck needs to gleam like a star in the night.”
Luka fought the urge to roll his eyes. He knew the drill. Ten minutes on explanations, five on barking orders, and the rest left to their aching muscles and blistered hands. He forced a smile, pasting on his best “eager-to-please” expression.
“Yes, sir, Mr. Griffin,” Luka said, his voice chipper despite the scowl creasing his brow. “We’ll get right on it.”
“You lads have fifteen more minutes, then I’ll see you in the morning.”
Luka was surprised it was almost time to leave. He was sweating like a pig. No wonder Captain Clarke told him to shower and change.
“I’m having a talk with Captain Clarke during lunch.”
“About what?”
“Whether he’ll fuck me or not.”
“I knew it. He locks you in so no one can touch you. He’s fucking scary.”
“That’s not why. I think he will, though.”
“When?”
“I don’t know. I’m not in the mood right now.”
“Me either. I have a date tonight with Brock.”
“That’s Captain Clarke’s best friend.” Luka thought about Brock trying to come on to him. He had moved on to Charlie fast, but he certainly wouldn’t mention that.
“I know, he told me.”
“Where are you going?” Luka grinned and looked at the ocean.
“He’s taking me to dinner in the Grand Dining Room, then I don’t know.”
“I’m stuck in my cabin. I don’t know if he’ll have dinner with me or not.”
Mr. Griffin walked in between them. “Clock out. See you in the morning.”
“Yes, sir.”
Both put away their buckets and mops, then left.
“Are you going to be sent to the second shift, too?” Luka asked.
“No. I work one shift like Brent does. Is he making you work two shifts?”
“Yes. That’s what he said yesterday. I’m dead now.”
“We only worked six hours.”
“I’ve never worked a day in my life.”
“Really?”
“I was in college.”
“Hey, you guys.” Brent caught up with them in the elevator.
“How was your morning?” Charlie asked.
“Mopping. I need to shower, then eat.”
“See you guys tomorrow,” Luka said.
“Aren’t you coming to the mess hall?” Brent asked.
“Can’t.” Luka rushed off and walked down the hallway to his cabin. He unlocked the door and went straight to the shower. Every muscle in his body ached like an old man’s. He was in good shape, but that mopping was not good for his back. After he washed and rinsed his hair three times, he scrubbed his body, then rinsed. He toweled himself as soon as he got out and crawled into his bed under the covers. All he wanted to do was sleep, not work another shift. Just as he closed his eyes, Captain Clarke opened the door between their cabins.
“Hey, what are you doing in bed at noon?” Captain Clarke asked.
“I’m beat. Every muscle in my body is hurting.”
“I got an excellent report from Mr. Griffin about you. Are you hungry?”
“Yes, food sounds good.”
“Would you like a cheeseburger and fries with a milkshake?”
“Mmm, chocolate shake, please.”
“Do you have clothes on?”
“I was too tired to get dressed.”
“Some plans have changed. Get out of bed, and put on a pair of dress slacks, a white shirt, and tie. Black shoes and socks.”
“Yes, sir. I thought I had to work in my uniform.”
“That’s what’s changed. I decided you can work one shift, then I have other things for you to do. Since I’m in charge of you, I’ll decide on your rehabilitation.”
“Sounds good to me.” Luka got up and quickly dressed while Captain Clarke watched him with a grin on his face.
“Sit down at this table with me while I brief you on the changes.”
“Yes, sir.” Luka worried Captain Clarke was going to tell him there was no way they could have a relationship. He couldn’t handle another letdown.
“Hey, don’t look like that. It’s all good.”
“When you use words like, ‘brief me on changes’, that doesn’t sound positive.”
“I told you last night I want you. I had to think about how to make us work that would be fair to you. I’ve eased up on some of my rules and beliefs.”
“You have a lot of rules.”
“We’re going out for lunch. Today, I want you to be with me all day. You need to see what I do as a captain. I’ve taken the liberty of enrolling you in three online courses. I have your transcripts because they were included in the court papers. You will take classes in the afternoons. One way to teach you independence is to steer you in the right direction.”
“Why would you do that for me?”
“Because all punishment will not fix the problem. I expect you to do all the work assigned and get good grades.”
“Who paid for the classes?”
“Your father. I spoke to him, and he said if I could enroll you in school to finish up your degree in cybersecurity, he’d pay for it.”
“Did you talk to him today?” Luka wanted his father to stay in the United States so they could have a relationship. He’d never allowed Luka to visit him in Brazil, and his mother had said it was too dangerous being Rafael’s son.
“No, before we left. He gave me the money for the classes, and if I couldn’t get you in, he told me to save it for when your year is up.”
“Do you know if he returned to Brazil?”
“I don’t know. We’re still going to talk about us beginning a relationship.”
“I’d like that.”
“I’m taking you to the best hamburger restaurant on this ship. You’ll love it.” Captain Clarke stood tall and extended his hand, firmly grasping Luka’s, then pulled him closer.
Luka could feel the heat generated by their bodies as they pressed against each other, creating a comforting cocoon.
“You feel so good,” Luka said.
“I’d love to see your lips swollen.” Captain Clarke’s fingers traced Luka’s lips.
“I’d love your long tongue down my throat.”
“Do you like long things down your throat?”
“I do, sir.”
“We can work on that soon,” Captain Clarke said.
“Why wait? I’m willing to take your cock down my throat and suck you dry,” Luka said.
“Damn you, Luka, don’t tease me like that.” Captain Clarke lowered his hand and covered his erection through his slacks.
“Why won’t you let me?”
“We have to talk first.”
Chapter 11 Captain Clarke
It was the first time Westly had held another man’s hand. He wanted Luka. This was his ship, and luckily for him, it was Pride Week with a Pride Cruise. They bumped into Brock, who was walking with Charlie, of all people. He was dressed like Luka, so it wasn’t obvious Charlie was a part of the crew. They stopped and greeted each other.
“Where are you two going?” Westly asked.
“Hamburger Palace.”
“That’s where we were going. Why are you taking a crewmember to lunch?”
“I’ll discuss that with you privately.” Brock held Charlie’s hand.
“I’d invite you two to sit with us, but we need to have a private discussion.”
Luka and Charlie laughed. When they entered the restaurant, the couples separated. The fluorescent lights of the Hamburger Palace cast a sterile glow over the chrome and red vinyl booths. After they ordered cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakess, they sat away from most of the noise and away from Brock and Charlie. Westly shifted in his seat, the faint hum of the ship’s engine a constant thrum in his ears. He enjoyed seeing Luka’s eyes sparkle as he smiled with curiosity.
“So, let’s talk about us.” Westly kept his voice casual. “It won’t be easy, Luka. Ship life’s tough—long hours, demanding work, not much free time.”
“I can agree with that after today. I’ll be busy with my shift and soon school.”
“For a year, that’s all true. When you’re free of your one-year contract, tell me what’s the first thing you’ll do. Be honest.”
“Fly back to California.”
“See. If we were in a relationship, you’d fly home, and I’d be left here without you.”
“Why are you worried about a year from now? Things can change for both of us. How many cruises do you operate per year?”
“I run each cruise for two months, then off for two months.”
“What will happen to me during your time off?”
“You’ll stay with me. I need a vacation between cruises. So, you’ll go on vacation too, but you can work on your online classes, and I’ll find other things to keep you busy.”
“Aren’t you worried that I’ll run away?”
“No. I don’t think you’ll do that.”
The server brought their cheeseburger platters and milkshakes.
“I want to say something,” Luka said.
“Go ahead. You have the floor.” Westly squeezed ketchup on his fries.
“If we’re together at the end of my year, I’d want to be with you. The thing is, would you give me a better job on board?”
“After you’re trained, I would. You’re going to be working on three cruises, so I’m hoping you can learn different jobs each time.”
“What about sex?”
“What about it?”
“Well?”
“There are some other issues you’d have to deal with if you’re with me. I have a lot of parties to attend. I’m on call twenty-four hours a day. I can’t show you favoritism among the crew. If you break rules, then you’ll suffer the consequences like anyone else.”
“You’re doing that already. Nothing new.”
“You’ve been here for two days, Luka, but forever or until I retire or want a change is different.”
“Why do we have to be forever on day one? Can’t we just let things grow into that? I mean, you sound like you want a marriage contract.”
“Not a contract at all, but marriage is something I’d like someday.”
“You kissed me, and you expect me to tell you I’m yours forever?”
“Do you want a one-night stand?” Westly raised his voice a notch higher than he intended.
“Hardly. That’s not at all what I want with you, but I’m not going to sign a contract and say I’m yours forever, especially over one kiss.”
“We already have a contract. You belong to me for a year. Sex isn’t included in that contract.”
“So, you want to add sex to our contract?”
“I told you I don’t do well in relationships. I don’t exactly know how to share what I want. But with us, I want to be sure you’re not wanting to be with me because I’m the only one available to you right now.”
“No, you’re not the only one available. I want you though. Can’t we just let things happen? Things would happen faster if you let me stay overnight.”
Luka continued, “No man ever fucks me unless I want them to. When I say I want you to, then I’m giving you my consent. That means you’re not taking advantage of my situation. I need someone like you who is so different than I am. You can teach me how to live successfully even though sometimes it’s a pain in the ass.”
“What are we going to do about your language?”
“What about it?”
“Profanity in passenger areas is forbidden and can get you fired and dropped off at the next stop. I have something in mind. I’m going to try it out when we go to my cabin.”
Luka grinned as if he had enjoyed being reprimanded. He doesn’t have a choice with what I’m going to do to him. He broke the fucking rule again.
“What are you going to do to me?”
“Eat your lunch. You’ll find out soon enough.”
“So, when are you going to let me stay overnight?”
“Well, I have a party to go to tonight. I might have a solution for this.”
“A solution for what?”
“When I have the solution completely worked out, then I’ll tell you. Tonight, I’m going to take you to dinner with me. My table is full of officers and their dates. Instead of you eating in your cabin alone this week, I’m going to keep you with me so I can better keep an eye on you.”
“That’s great because I think Charlie said he was going to go to dinner with Brock.”
“Call him Officer Morgan. Be respectful to all the officers on the ship.”
“Yes, sir. I’m just learning about all this military respect from you and that welcome pamphlet.”
“Weren’t you raised to respect elders?”
“I guess not.”
“Your mother is a surgeon. Why wouldn’t she teach you respect?”
“Don’t blame her. She tried, but I didn’t listen.”
“Have you ever been in trouble before this recent incident?”
“Not with the law.”
“But you have been in trouble?”
“Here and there.”
“Let’s go back to the cabin and talk more.”
On their way out, Westly stopped at Brock’s table.
“Meet me in your cabin in ten minutes. We need to talk.”
“Yes, sir.”
On their way back, Westly held Luka’s hand. “Things have to change for me to make room for you.”
“Make room in your closet, bed, or life?”
“I know if you spend the night once, you’ll never spend another night on your side.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“I don’t know.”
“That tells me a lot about you, then.”
“I’ve never been with anyone on my ship.”
“I figured that.”
“You’re different from anyone I’ve met. You do what feels right at the time, then worry later. It’s risky behavior. The more I learn about you, the more I want to know.”
“I’ve never met such a control freak. You plan everything out before you act. Nothing is ever out of place. How do you function?”
“I do and have. Now, I have a question. How will you deal with me being in control of you?”
“You already are.”
When they reached Luka’s cabin, Westly unlocked it, and they went inside.
“I’m not done talking to you, but I have that meeting with Officer Morgan.”
“So you’re leaving me here?”
“For now. Don’t leave. Do you know we have a small jail cell on board?”
“No. Why are you asking me that?”
“Don’t break any more rules, especially taboo rules. When I get back, you’ll receive a consequence for using profanity in public.”
“Are you going to lock me in?”
“Yes, you haven’t shown you can be trusted.” He walked up to Luka, pulled him into his arms, and kissed him. “You taste so good.”
He left, locked Luka inside, then made his way to Brock’s cabin. He knocked on the door and Brock let him in.
“Want a drink?”
“Scotch on the rocks.”
“What do you want to discuss?”
“You and Charlie. You know Charlie is part of the crew. Officers don’t associate with the crew socially or take them to the passengers’ areas.”
“I just saw you and Luka together in the same place.”
“I’m the captain and Luka isn’t really a regular crewmember.”
“What the hell is the mystery with Luka?”
“I can’t discuss that with you.”
“Tell me this. What kind of cruise is this?”
“It’s a gay cruise as you already know.”
“Who owns this cruise ship?”
“I do.”
“Who made up those rules?”
“We did.”
“Do you see where I’m going here?”
“No. Where are you going with this?”
“If we wrote the rules, then we can change them.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Remember when you hired a Native American with long hair, and he told you that was his culture?”
“Yes, and we let him keep his hair long.”
“And we both agreed we needed to remove that rule, but you haven’t removed it yet. I noticed Luka still has long hair. I’m sure it’s not his culture.”
“I’ll update the welcome packet for the upcoming cruise.”
“When you want to change something, you do it because it affects you personally. You don’t need to dictate who we fuck.”
“Why is this a problem?”
“The problem is you’re taking Luka to passenger areas, and you’re telling me not to do it.”
“Then I won’t do it anymore.”
“When are you going to realize it’s 2024? We don’t need to follow those norms we created years ago.”
“If we allow officers to date crewmembers, they will be in the passenger areas. We can’t have that.”
“You walked all over with Luka today.”
“I know what I did. I probably should have had lunch in the cabin. If we could come up with something that doesn’t mix crewmembers with passengers, then maybe that might work.”
“There it is. Allow the officers to bring their dates to officer-only areas with them. Crewmembers won’t be allowed to enter unless accompanied by an officer. They must never wear their uniform when they go to an officer-only area. The way we both dressed our guys today. No one knew they were part of the crew.”
“That’s a possibility. Right now, neither of us can take them to passenger areas.”
“What about the Grand Dining Room?” Brock asked.
“I think it would be okay if they wear a jacket and tie. There are passengers, but they are invited passengers. For this cruise, it will work. I’m not convinced this is the right thing to do.”
