Captured by the Criminal (Taken)

Every morning on my birthday, there’d always be something from Costi sitting on my nightstand. The best present Costi ever got me was when we were fifteen and he gave me my very first kiss.

On the beach. I wish I could have lived in that moment forever. Before everything changed.

I throw on a dress, knowing tonight’s my last night on this ship. By this time tomorrow, I’ll be on my way back to Miami. I can’t let myself fall into the hands of Bishop Blackstone. I need to make sure my father is ok and check on Mia, Ava, and Giana, the other daughters of the Four Families.

Bishop can’t get away with this plan.

I stare at myself in the mirror, gazing at the dress the same color as my eyes with a daring slit riding up my thigh, nearly showing my goods. Well, at least he’ll get a glimpse of what he tossed away. I head down the corridor and toward the captain’s cabin. My knuckles falter on their way to the wood, but then I remember who I am and knock on the door, waiting for Costi to open it.

When he does, I’m awestruck at the mere presence of him. He looks dashing with his hair tousled on the top of his head. A smile that melts my heart—ahem, my panties—and muscles forged in steel.

“Come in,” he says, moving to the side so I can enter. His eyes watch my every movement, studying, calculating my every little thing.

It almost makes me feel like he can read my mind.

Does he know I’m planning on escaping?

By the way his eyes never leave me, it makes me think he does.

“This is extravagant.” A buffet of food covers the table. Steaks, lobster tails, baked potatoes, and rolls have my mouth watering. “Who made all of this?”

“Well, I did.”

My eyes flick to his. “Really?”

“You don’t think I learned how to cook since we’ve been friends?”

“I just remember how badly you burnt the pizza when we were twelve.”

He rubs his chin. “I’ve learned patience since then.”

“It suits you.”

Costi points to a chair at the head of the intimate wood table. “Have a seat. Let’s eat.”

My eyes take in which food I’m wanting to sink my teeth into first. It’s nice to not have Gino’s nagging reminders about carbs and calories sounding in my ear. Until now, I don’t think I realized just how many things I’ve passed up because of his judgy eyes. Don’t get me wrong, I like my sleeker body, but it’s my choice what I put in it, not Gino’s.

“I can’t believe you remembered the burnt pizza,” he says.

I could pass a test on all the things I remember about Costi.

“Well, it nearly caught fire. How could I forget?”

We plate our food, and as we eat, I want to ask him why he never wrote to me. Ask why he never returned. What happened to my best friend that made us lose touch? Costi chews slowly, his eyes never leaving mine, making my stomach tingle with nerves.

“What?” I ask when I can no longer take this innocent torture.

“I’m just admiring the many ways you’ve changed.”

I spear a slice of steak with my fork. “Oh, and how do you think I’ve changed?”

He leans back, his eyes roaming over my body freely. Appreciating it. Sending my confidence level soaring.

He lets out a little growl, like he likes all the ways I’ve changed. “You’ve filled out nicely.”

I laugh. “You sound like a horny teenager.”

He laughs too. “Well, I missed that stage with you.”

“Do you remember our kiss?” My cheeks flame fiery red as I wait for his answer.

“I remember it every day.”

After dinner last night, I rushed right back to my room to, well, breathe. Costi leaves me breathless in his presence, which is more reason I need to get back home ASAP.

If my father and his men have a plan to take Bishop down, I want in on it. I’ve always been the girl who likes to take part in the action, not left in the dark.

I don’t want people thinking of me as a weak woman who can’t take care of herself.

Even though I’m a prisoner on this ship, it doesn’t mean I can’t take matters into my own hands.

I tiptoe out of my room the next morning, searching for Toby, while plotting my escape.

There’s a flurry of activity among the crew members today.

I spot Toby coming out of the galley and motion him to me. “Where’s the captain?” I ask.

“Cap is on the bridge. We should be in the harbor soon.”

“How soon?”

Toby glances at a pocket watch, and I worry I’ve overestimated my chances of getting off this boat. “Real soon.”

I roll my eyes where he can’t see and follow him to the back deck. “Is this where I’ll jump?”

“Yes, I’ll tell you when.”