Secrets Aboard!, page 9
“I can see that.” Westly unraveled Luka’s comforter and settled down beside him, stroking his long hair. He cradled him in his arms, gently swaying back and forth. “You’ve had a rough day. I’m sorry everything is coming down on you all at once.”
“One part of the day was good with you.”
“It made me smile all day just thinking about you.”
“You were smiling about us being together?”
“Yes.” He leaned in and kissed Luka. “I know you’re upset, but I’d really like to take you to dinner tonight. Charlie is going with Brock.”
“What do I have to do there?” Luka bit his lower lip.
“Eat and smile at me.”
“I thought the crew couldn’t mix with officers?”
“Rules needed to be updated. It’s Pride Cruise 2024, so why not?”
“Did you ever go to a Pride Parade?”
“Never been to one, but we’re going to have one on the cruise.”
“Can I go?”
“If you don’t break any more rules, I think I could bend that one.”
Luka smiled for the first time since Westly had entered the cabin.
“I’d still like you to sleep on my side tonight. We didn’t have much time earlier. And you need to be in my arms all night.”
“I do need that. I felt lousy when you had to leave so soon. I mean it was our first time.”
“It was a quickie because of work. You were butt naked, and I couldn’t resist.”
“Are we going to sleep naked?”
“With you, always. Now, jacket and tie for dinner.”
“What about my uniform and lanyard?”
“No uniform for special occasions when you visit officer areas.”
“Are you going to allow me to eat with the crew, or do I have to eat in my room when I don’t eat with you?”
“You have one week of cleaning duty and lunch in your cabin. I think you’ll like dinner in the Grand Dining Room. I don’t want you to be alone right now.”
“Am I allowed to have a drink?”
“One drink. Speaking about drinking. Why is my scotch bottle sitting in the sink opened?”
“I had a few drinks after I talked to my mother.”
“Did Charlie drink my scotch?” Westly hadn’t told Brock to let him drink in his cabin.
“Nope. He said Officer Morgan told him not to do anything.”
“Next time, if you have a problem, send me a message. I’d rather we talk it out than you drink.”
“Thanks. Are you angry I didn’t ask to drink your scotch?”
“No, I’m not angry as long as you don’t drink until you get sick from it. From now on, when you want to use something of mine, ask first and if you use something, put it away.”
“I can do that.”
Westly nodded with a smile.
Chapter 16 Luka
The moment Luka and the captain set foot in the Grand Dining Room, the weight of expectation settled on Luka’s shoulders. The room shimmered with an opulent elegance. Crystal chandeliers cascaded overhead, casting a warm glow on the polished mahogany tables.
As Captain Clarke whispered in his ear, his voice carried a hint of admiration. “You look incredibly attractive tonight.”
“I feel like I’m not good enough to be here with you,” Luka whispered.
“If I thought that, you’d be in your cabin, especially during punishment week. I wanted to show you off. You belong with me.”
Luka had braided his long golden-brown hair because the captain had told him to put his hair in a ponytail around food areas. He fidgeted with the stiff collar of his shirt, wishing for the comfort of the cotton T-shirts he had worn at the beach. Captain Clarke stood by his side with a kind smile gracing his weathered face.
Approaching the table, Luka’s eyes darted from one face to another, trying to gauge their reactions. Each one, etched with the lines of experience and authority, held curiosity and appraisal. Heat rose in Luka’s cheeks, self-conscious under their scrutiny. They don’t like me. Need to get out of here.
Captain Clarke reached out and took Luka’s hand, providing a comforting touch, anchoring him in the present. Taking a deep breath, Luka straightened his posture, determined to prove himself worthy of their shared table.
“This is Luka Batista, who has joined me for the evening.” Captain Clarke’s voice was warm and welcoming.
As the officers responded, their smiles and nods offered a tentative bridge, and Luka acknowledged them with a slight nod of his head and a murmured greeting. He hoped these unfamiliar faces might accept him in time. He felt unworthy as he sat beside the captain and Charlie at the large, round table. As soon as the captain sat down, a line formed to speak to him. He leaned over and kissed Luka on the cheek, then stood up to greet the people in the line.
“Why is the captain so busy with all these people?” Luka asked Officer Morgan.
“It’s like this every night. He does more talking than eating. He’s very popular with the passengers. They invite different passengers as guests for dinner each night, and it seems everyone wants to meet the captain to compliment or complain about something on the ship.”
“Is everything okay?” Charlie whispered to Luka.
“Sort of.”
“We can talk later. Send me a message.”
The aroma of roasted beef and spices wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread. A server presented Luka with a steaming plate, the visual feast adding to the sensory overload. As he took his first bite, the explosion of flavors on his tongue offered a welcome distraction from his nerves as he looked at the empty chair next to him. He focused on the surrounding conversation, snippets of stories and friendly banter weaving their way through the clinking of glasses.
“I heard you two are on cleaning duty,” one officer blurted.
Luka and Charlie looked at each other without responding.
“I see Captain Clarke doesn’t favor his own.” He waited for them to react.
Again, they looked at each other, laughing.
“Give it up,” Brock said to the other officer.
Captain Clark finally sat down, and a server quickly brought him his meal.
“Sorry I had to leave you. It happens a lot.”
“I’m glad you’re finally going to eat.”
“The Pride Parade is in a few days. We have a rental shop for costumes. We could check it out or when we land in Sint Maarten, we can find something there.”
Luka wondered why he suddenly mentioned leaving the ship to shop. He certainly wouldn’t bring it up here.
After dessert, they walked through the ship and stopped at a bar.
“Remember where you are,” Captain Clarke reminded him.
“Yes, sir.”
“What would you like to drink?”
“A beer on tap.”
Captain Clarke ordered two beers on tap.
“This is the place Brock and I meet. We talk about lots of things since we have known each other since our college days. We were also in the Marines together.”
“I have a good friend in California. I sent him a letter and told him what happened to me and where I was. We’ve know each other from elementary school and graduated from the same high school.”
“What’s your friend’s name?”
“Sergio Rodrigues.”
“Where did you graduate high school?”
“Newport Harbor.”
“Newport Beach?”
Luka nodded, wondering what was up with the questions.
“Were you in any sports?”
“Swimming and track and field, besides surfing every day.”
“The officers have their own swimming pool. I could take you there so you can get some exercise.”
“Why are you being so nice to me?”
“Because I like you. I won’t treat you differently at work, but after work, I’ll be nicer, as you say.”
“I thought you said the court mandated I stay in my room after work.”
“They did, but I’m the captain of this ship, and they gave me some leeway in how I do things. You will do what I think is safe and healthy, so you integrate back into society.”
“You’re trying to turn me into a Marine recruit. I’m not Marine material.”
“I think you are.”
“You don’t know me well enough to say that.”
“Other than you’re not a citizen, why couldn’t you be a Marine?”
“I don’t want to be a Marine. I don’t like weapons or war.”
“I see. I didn’t know you didn’t like weapons.”
“Do you have one?”
“I do.”
“Is it in your cabin?”
“Why are you asking me that?”
“Certainly not to steal it. I have a rule to never visit anyone who has weapons in their home.”
“I’m the captain and part of my job is to protect everyone on my ship. So, yes, it is, but it’s locked up. Don’t go looking for it.”
“Don’t worry about that.”
“Please don’t tell me you’ll refuse to visit on my side or sleep in my bed.”
Luka hated the thought of a weapon being in the cabin, but there wasn’t much he could do about it since he was the captain, and he’d made a case for it.
“If you get pissed off at me, I’ll leave.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
“I would never shoot you. Stop the bullshit.”
They settled in and talked as they drank. When they finished their beers and returned to their cabin, Luka winked and said, “I have swimming trunks. I’m ready to swim now if you’ll take me.”
“Go get your suit on and come over here when you’re done.”
Luka turned to leave, and Captain Clarke took his arm and turned him around. “Didn’t you forget something?”
“What?”
Captain Clarke pulled him close and kissed him. “Let’s take advantage when we can.”
“I like that. Can I call you Westly when we’re alone?”
“I guess you can, but there better be no slip-ups, or I’m going to spank you.”
“I just might slip up then.”
“No need to do that. If you want one that bad, just ask.” Captain Clarke winked.
When Luka turned away, the captain swatted his backside. “Hurry back.”
Chapter 17 Captain Clarke
Westly’s phone rang while he was changing into his swimming trunks. He picked it up and walked to the bathroom, not wanting Luka to hear what he was saying if he returned.
“Captain Clarke speaking.”
“My name is Eduardo Mendez. I’m Luka’s attorney.”
“Yes, how can I help you, Mr. Mendez?”
“The court has discharged Luka Batista’s case so you can release him from his one-year contract with you. He’s free to go home to California. He got off on the same technicality as his boyfriend, Maleko did. I want you to end your contract with him, send it to me, and let him go.”
“And what technicality was that?”
“Both were arrested without being given their Miranda rights and waited in the holding cell without access to an attorney for over twenty-four hours. Both parties were suing the police department, so the police made a deal and closed the case to avoid the publicity. The judge threw the cases out because both of them dropped the charges.”
“Thank you. I’ll inform Luka, and he’ll make the final decision if he wants to leave.” Westly punched the wall. How the fuck can shit like this happen?
“I’m sure he’ll want to leave and return home where he belongs. He lives on the beach and surfs all day with his friends.”
“I’m sure he misses his friends, but he’s learning a new trade so he can be independent of his parents. He’s made some friends here too. He’s doing excellent work here.”
“Really. Make sure it’s his decision, not yours.”
“Don’t worry. It will be his decision alone. I’ll tell him the good news now.” Westly almost choked on his own words. No way is this good news. That motherfucker Maleko is out after what he did?
“I’d appreciate that. Have a good day!”
Westly put his phone away and left the bathroom. There’s no way I’m going to lose Luka. Hopefully, his attorney doesn’t call him for any reason. How the hell did they let Maleko out after what he did? I want Maleko to pay. He breaks into a home and burns it down. How the fuck is he walking free?
Luka came in wearing his colorful trunks. So delicious looking.
“You look stunning!” Westly said, knowing Luka was a free man. It was wrong of him not to tell him, but he wasn’t ready to lose the first man that made him feel. He didn’t have to lock him in anymore, but would Luka sense something was off? He had to be careful about how he made any changes.
“I forgot to tie up my hair. I’ll be right back.” Luka put his phone down on the bar top and left.
As soon as he was on the other side, Westly picked up Luka’s phone and went through his contacts. He found Luka’s attorney, blocked his number, deleted him as a contact, then set the phone back down. Hopefully, he never hears from him again. Luka still has that bastard Maleko as a favorite, with hearts all over his name. Why are those hearts still there? He can’t still be in love with that man after all he put him through.
Luka walked side by side with Westly to the pool. He pushed open the glass doors leading to the officer’s pool deck, a wave of chlorine-tinged air washing over them. The pool area was a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling cruise ship. White lounge chairs dotted the edge of the pool, a few occupied by officers relaxing with friends or phones and a few reading paperback novels. Lush potted plants provided bursts of green, and upbeat music drifted from hidden speakers. Westly took a deep breath, the air thick with the sweet scent of blooming hibiscus flowers.
“Race you to the other end, Luka!” Captain Clarke boomed, a playful smile tugging at his lips. He wasn’t known for his swimming prowess, but a little competition hurt no one. He figured Luka was a bold swimmer who was at home in the water like a fish.
Luka grinned, a flash of white against his tanned face. “You’re on, Captain!” he yelled back. “Ready for your defeat?”
Westly raised a hand. “Alright, on your mark…” He stole a glance at Luka, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. “Get set…” A beat of silence. “Go!”
Westly and Luka dove into the cool water with a mighty splash, the shock momentarily chasing away the evening heat. Kicking his legs into a steady rhythm, he focused on chasing Luka’s fleeing form. Luka had a natural talent for swimming. His strokes were powerful and efficient. Well, the boy surfed every day. What did he expect?
Westly pushed himself harder, a familiar competitive fire igniting in his chest. Despite his best efforts, a wave of cool water crashed over his head as Luka’s hand slapped the finish wall, then his head surfaced, a triumphant grin plastered across his face. Westly surfaced a few seconds later, a light cough escaping as he sputtered out the remaining pool water.
“Looks like those fancy captain’s quarters have done little for your swimming, sir,” Luka teased, his chest heaving slightly.
“Alright, alright,” he conceded. “You win this round, Luka.”
Luka beamed, a look of pure joy lighting up his features. “I used to be on the swim team back in high school.”
“Of course you were.”
“You did pretty good too, for someone your age.”
“My age? How old do you think I am?”
“Forty-two. I read it in an article.”
Westly chuckled, a touch of pride warming his chest from Luka reading an article about him. It was refreshing to see such youthful enthusiasm from Luka, who had entered his ship with deep sadness.
“Well, you certainly haven’t lost any skills from high school,” he admitted. “Next time, I’ll have to resort to some…less conventional tactics.”
Luka’s eyes widened. “Oh yeah? And what might those tactics be, Captain?” Luka splashed Westly’s face.
Caught off guard, Westly, sputtering and feigning offense, wiped the water from his eyes.
Westly winked. “That, my friend, remains a secret.” He splashed back at Luka, who dodged to avoid it. Luka’s too damn fast.
“Clearly, I underestimated your water skills. Years at sea make a man a bit…less streamlined,” he admitted with a chuckle. “But hey, at least I can still navigate a ship through a hurricane.”
Luka laughed. “No arguments there. You’re the best captain this ship could ask for. But next time, a little less doggy paddling might help you keep up with me.”
As they climbed out of the pool, the easy banter continued. A deep sense of satisfaction settled over Westly. Sure, he’d lost the race, but in that moment, surrounded by the endless ocean and Luka’s laughter, he felt a contentment he hadn’t known in a long time. The pride wasn’t just in his ship; it was spending time with Luka, his infectious enthusiasm a vital part of it. A part of him felt guilty for not giving him the good news. He was sure if he told him, he’d be on the next plane to California. He wasn’t about to let him go. He wanted Luka to spend their full time together.
They dried off and sat on the lounges beside each other.
“How come you’re allowing me out of the cabin?”
“I’ve done some research and decided you shouldn’t be too isolated because that usually causes integration problems when people are freed.”
“I used to surf and swim for hours every day. I miss all of it. My life is so different now.”
“Do you enjoy working on my ship?” When Luka had described his life as so different, it didn’t sound like it had changed in a good way. He was still longing to return home, away from him and the ship. He had to make him want to stay when he had the choice. He prayed no one would tell him he was free.
“If I had a better job, I would.”
“Start at the bottom and work your way up.”
“Did you?”
“I was in the Marines. Of course, I worked my way up.”
“Do you have any family?”
“My parents retired in Florida. I see them when I can.”
