One More Time

“Would you shut up?” Chanel asked.

“Then keep fucking talking, because I’m over this bullshit, Chanel. I know you are not a mean person, but it’s time you took this seriously enough to put an end to it. You thought ignoring it would work, but it’s clearly only escalating. You need to deal with this now,” Ana said.

“Just let her breathe,” I said. “Chanel, I promise you it’s going to be okay. If I have to break every bone in that smarmy little prick’s body, I will.”

“I told you that you wouldn’t be unbiased,” Chanel said.

“No. I’m not. But even if you were someone else, even if you were just a mission, I still wouldn’t be. Someone on this ship is threatening you with some serious harm. Have you gone to anyone? The captain? The security guards? Hell, Connie Thomas?” I asked.

“No,” Chanel said. “I haven’t.”

“Why not?” I asked.

“I don’t want the drama. We’re almost home, and then I can put this nightmare behind me. I never should’ve come on this damn cruise in the first place. Something told me I shouldn’t, and this is what I get for not listening to my gut,” she said.

“Listen to me, Chanel. What this person is doing isn’t recompense for you coming on a cruise. This is a stalker, and a hostile one at that. Now, I’ll keep an eye on you and be on the lookout for threats, but that puts us in close quarters, which is what’s pissing this person off,” I said.

“I know, but you make me feel safe.”

Her eyes rose to mine, and my heart fluttered in my chest.

“I’m glad,” I said. “It was my job for a long time to make people feel that way. Now, did the letter say anything else?”

“Plenty,” Chanel said.

“What else did it say?”

She drew in a deep breath and closed her eyes. I braced for the impact, but nothing could have prepared me for what flew out of her mouth next.

“The letter said that I would eventually come to love him. He might have to trap me, but he was the best for me. And if a locked room was for my own good, then he had no problems putting me in one. The letter said I could be … taught.”

“Taught what?” I asked.

“Taught how to please him,” she said with a shaky voice.

“Jesus fucking Christ, Chanel. You think you can just ignore this? This guy’s a psycho. You need to get those letters to security ASAP.”

“I thought you said you would look out for me?” she asked.

“I will, without a shadow of a doubt. I’ll follow you wherever you go if you want me to. But those letters need to get to someone. This is serious, Chanel. I don’t think you realize how serious this is.”

“You think I don’t get it?” she asked.

“No, I don’t. Because if you did, you would be reporting it. You should have reported it from the very beginning. It’s clear that his behavior is escalating, and that makes him very dangerous.”

More tears barreled down Chanel’s cheeks as I got up from the table. I picked her up and pulled her into my arms as I backed us into the shadows. My eyes scanned the room, looking for Luke. I knew in my bones that it was him who was sending the letters. The way he draped himself all over Chanel as often as he could, the palpable anger he gave off whenever I was around, all of it pointed to him. And I’d be damned if I let anyone, especially that arrogant little prick, hurt my girl.

“Thank you,” she said shakily.

“No thanks needed. Everything is going to be okay,” I promised.

CHAPTER 17

CHANEL

Even though Rhett wanted to stick by my side in Curaçao, I waved him off. I wanted to have some time with Ana, even with the looming threat over my head. Having Rhett there would only serve to worry me more about the letters, and I wanted a chance to forget about them, to explore the beautiful port, take in the sights, and enjoy the snorkeling adventure Ana and I were going to take. Ana promised that she would never leave my side and that we would stay close to other people and not wander anywhere off the beaten path.

The tropical island was beautiful. It was surrounded by crystal clear waters and powdery, sandy beaches. The sand was almost white, making it look like a winter wonderland in the middle of the summer. Palm trees rose up from the ground, and brush lined the cobblestone streets. Every time I took in a deep breath of air, the saltiness of it relaxed me as it whipped through my hair.