Chapter 44
His brows lift. “What did I just say, Emilia?”
My lips twitch despite myself. “I’ll be much better if we get something to cat.”
He hums, like he’s considering it. “Something with rice, maybe? And then for dessert-so much sugar it’ll definitely give you diabetes.”
I giggle, nudging him with my shoulder. “You know me so well, Calloway.”
He grins, tugging me a little closer as we walk. “Of course I do. I like knowing you.”
And just like that, my heart isn’t breaking anymore. It’s fluttering.
Evening comes around faster than I expect, and to my absolute horror, Liam and I are forced to drag ourselves to the deck for some grand announcement from the soon-to-be-weds.
I feel like I’ve said this a million times, but the cruise is massive-so big that the thirty-something guests on board feel like a drop in the ocean.
Either they’re too busy lounging in their luxury suites, avoiding Liam and me, or this ship is just that enormous, be- cause after running into Stone, we don’t see a single familiar face.
Not that I’m complaining.
Liam’s hand is warm in mine as we make our way to the deck, his thumb tracing idle circles against my skin like he doesn’t even realise he’s doing it.
I don’t know if it’s meant to be comforting or if he just likes touching me, but either way, it’s convincing enough.
My heart shouldn’t be beating this fast from something so simple.
“Remind me again why we’re going to this thing?” I mumble, leaning into him slightly.
“Because we’re technically guests and stuffing your face in rice all night will only make them talk more.”
I groan. “Who cares what they say?”
His smirk is unfairly charming. “You do.”
I hate that he’s right.
Clicking my tongue, I switch topics. “Have you heard from Tess?”
Liam’s lips twitch, amusement dancing in his eyes. “What? You two having a lover’s spat?”
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Chapiti 44
“Something like that.”
He hums, like he already knows more than he’s letting on. “She sent over our schedule and a list of protocols. The usual.”
I sigh. Of course she did. Tess is nothing if not terrifyingly efficient. She could probably organise a royal wedding in under an hour and still have time to scold me for not answering her texts.
“What’s on the schedule?” I ask, mostly to distract myself from the way Liam’s fingers are still casually laced with
mine.
He squeezes my hand, like he can read my mind. “Dinner, social media posts, and a whole lot of pretending we’re thrilled to be here.” His voice dips into something lower, teasing. “And if you’re really well-behaved, I might even sneak you some dessert.”
I roll my eyes, but my lips curve into a smile anyway. “Lucky me.”
We finally make it to the deck, and for a second, I think we’re the last ones to arrive-until I glance around and realise Zane and Becca are nowhere to be seen.
Not that I’m complaining.
Liam and I find an open seat beneath one of the shaded umbrellas, a round table with four chairs tucked under it.
Two women are already sitting there. They’re both stunning and effortlessly poised. They’re Becca’s guests.
Lacey and Céline.
Liam introduces us, apparently Lacey and Céline are models, he and Lacey met during a photoshoot for a fashion campaign, and Céline is Lacey’s best friend and plus one.
I’m surprised by how easy they are to talk to.
Céline’s French accent is thick, melodic, so nice to listen to that sometimes I forget I’m supposed to be listening. I have to ask her to repeat herself a few times, but she never seems to mind.
Lacey’s sharp-witted, the kind of effortlessly cool that makes you want to be her best friend and steal her wardrobe all
at once.
I exhale, tension I didn’t even realise I was holding finally slipping away. The first unfamiliar faces I’ve talked to to- day, and they’re actually… nice.
It shouldn’t feel like such a relief, but it does.
Lacey tilts her sunglasses down, studying Liam with a smirk. “Never thought we’d be meeting again at your girl- friend’s ex’s wedding cruise.”
Liam shakes his head with a grin. “That makes two of us.”
“I personally think it’s more unbelievable I’m getting to meet you. Lacey never told me you guys have met.” Céline
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Lacey raises her hands in surrender. “Didn’t cross my minɑ once, i swear, desiues, i know? Then I met him and he’s just an over-hyped loser.”
“Ha fucking ha. Hilarious, Lacey.”
She grins. “I know.”
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Lacey’s words don’t comfort Céline at all, because she’s still so obviously starstruck. I can’t help but smile, she must be a really huge fan. “I’m sorry, but I just can’t get over this. So, you’re the Liam Calloway? Like the real one?”
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