Chapter 12
The last few days on the cruise had been an exhausting maze of avoidance and unease. I had done everything in my power to steer clear of Lucas, dodging him in the halls, skipping meals where I thought he might appear, and even changing my routines just to minimize the chances of running into him. It was maddening how one person could occupy so much space in my mind, even when I didn’t want them to.
My brother, Ethan, had been checking in constantly. Every call or message from him carried a note of suspicion. “What’s going on with you, Zoe? You’ve been acting strange,” he pressed during one video call. His voice held that famillar protective edge.
“I’m fine, Ethan,” I replied, forcing a smile. “I’m just enjoying the cruise. I needed this break.”
He didn’t look convinced. “You’re avoiding something–or someone. Is Lucas giving you a hard time?”
My breath hitched at his name. “Lucas? Why would you think that?*E
“Because I know him. And I know you,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Just remember, Zoe, you don’t have to face anything alone. I’m here for you.”
I nodded quickly, trying to change the subject. “Ethan, really, I’m fine. Let’s not talk about me anymore.“E
But Ethan wasn’t done. “Speaking of things you might not want to talk about… Cameron organized a funeral for you.“E
His words stopped me cold. My hands clenched the edge of the table, knuckles whitening. “A funeral?” I repeated, my
flat.E
ny voice
“Yes. It was all over the news, Zoe. Cameron’s devastated–or so it seems,” Ethan said, his tone dipping into skepticism. “I thought you should know.“!
I laughed bitterly, a sound devoid of humor. “Good. Let him mourn. He deserves every bit of that pain. It’s what he gets for everything he’s done.”
Ethan looked hesitant for a moment but eventually nodded. “If that’s how you feel ”
After we hung up, Ethan sent me a video of the funeral. I debated whether or not to open it, but curiosity won out. The screen. lit up with the image of Cameron standing at a gravesite, surrounded by mourners. His shoulders were hunched, his face pale and tear–streaked. He looked utterly broken, his sobs audible even over the background noise.
For a moment, I felt something stir within me–a flicker of doubt, of pity, of something I couldn’t quite name. But I pushed it down. I knew Cameron too well. This was a man who could manipulate anyone, and I wasn’t about to fall for his act. He was mourning, yes, but not for me–for his guilt, his mistakes, or perhaps just the inconvenience of losing his control over me. I shut off the video and tossed my phone onto the bed. I needed to forget, to escape the heaviness that seemed to cling to me no matter where I went. Deciding I deserved a night of fun, I dressed up in a sleek black dress, the kind that made me feel bold and untouchable, and headed to the cruise ship’s bar.E
The bar was alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. For the first time in what felt like forever, I let myself relax. I ordered a drink, then another, savoring the sweet burn of the alcohol as it coursed through my veins. The DJ was playing upbeat music, and the dance floor was packed with people moving to the rhythm. It was chaotic, but it was exactly what I needed.
I threw myself into the crowd, letting the music take over. I danced with one man, then another, spinning and laughing like I didn’t have a care in the world. For a moment, I felt free–truly free–like the weight of my past was finally slipping away.”
But freedom, as I should have known, was fleeting.
As I was dancing with yet another stranger, I felt a strong hand wrap around my waist. The grip was firm, possessive, and sent a shiver down my spine. Startled, I turned around, only to find myself face–to–face with Lucas.
His eyes locked onto mine, a mix of frustration and something deeper simmering beneath the surface. He leaned in, his voice low and edged with an unmistakable possessiveness. “Enough with you making me jealous, my lady.”
I blinked, caught off guard. “Jealous? What are you talking about, Lucas?“K
He didn’t answer. Instead, he tightened his hold on my waist, pulling me closer until there was barely any space between us. His gaze was intense, almost burning, as he stared down at me.X
“I’ll make you mine he murmured, his voice rough but resolute.
Before I could respond, before I could process what was happening, Lucas leaned in and captured my lips with his. The kiss was sudden, fierce, and all–consuming. It was like the world around us ceased to exist, leaving only the two of us in that
moment.{
My mind was a whirlwind of emotions–shock, confusion, and an undeniable spark of something I hadn’t felt in years. Lucas’s lips were warm and insistent, and for a brief, fleeting moment, I found myself kissing him back.
