Stealing Beauty (Stolen 1)

“One more thing,” Adrián said, holding out even more money. “My wife and I are on our honeymoon. We can get a little loud when we’re…celebrating. I hope that won’t be a problem.”

Luis chuckled, his brown eyes twinkling as he took the cash. “No problem at all. We love honeymooners on La Cita.” He gestured at the boat, on which the name La Cita was emblazoned in gold lettering.

Automatically, I returned his smile, but my stomach churned. What did Adrián mean by his cryptic statement? Was he bribing the captain to turn a deaf ear if he made me cry out?

I swallowed hard. He’d warned me not to run from him. The last time I’d tried, he’d spanked me in reprimand.

What did he plan to do to me this time?

The last dregs of comfort I’d found in his strong arms drained away, and I tried to put distance between us. His hand curved into my hip, a clear warning not to test him.

Luis seemed oblivious to my discomfiture. Then again, he’d been paid to be oblivious.

“We’d like to set sail immediately,” Adrián said. “We need to get to El Porvenir in three days to catch our flight.”

“You don’t want to see the islands?” Luis’ bushy gray brows drew together, the lines of his weathered face deepening.

“We’ll see them from the boat,” Adrián replied. “We can’t miss our flight.”

Luis’ puzzled expression smoothed into another smile. “Of course. My son, Manuel, will help me make the quick journey. Please come aboard. My wife will show you to your rooms.”

A plump woman with wavy, slate gray hair appeared on deck behind Luis. “Hello,” she greeted us with a bright smile. “I’m Jasiel. Welcome to La Cita.”

Adrián took my hand to steady me, helping me onto the boat. In contrast to the aged fishing boat we’d hired to get to Puerto Obaldía, this vessel was the height of luxury. The white deck was pristine, and the huge, silvery ship wheel gleamed under the yellow sun.

Jasiel led us below deck, revealing that the boat was just as sleek and modern when it came to accommodations. The interior was a study in polished wood, white leather, and royal-blue accents. There was a small kitchen/dining area, with booth-style seating around a table.

“This is where you will have your meals,” Jasiel explained. “If you ever want anything outside of mealtimes, don’t hesitate to ask.” She gestured to a bedroom at the bow of the ship. “This is where Luis and I stay. My son, Manuel, usually sleeps in the hammock on deck. He helps Luis man the sails, and he likes to stay close at hand. You probably won’t see him much during your journey.”

Adrian’s shoulders relaxed slightly when she shared this information. It seemed he preferred if the young man kept his distance. I was beginning to understand his pattern of possessive behavior. He hadn’t wanted the Americans at the hostel to look at me, either.

Hugo had loved parading me around on his arm, forcing me to wear revealing clothes while showing off that I was his pretty property.

It felt odd that Adrián didn’t want other men to look at me. Was it because I was dressed in such drab clothing that didn’t do my body any favors? Or was it because he didn’t believe I was tamed yet? Hugo hadn’t taken me out in public with him until he was certain I’d play the part of loving wife.

Yes, that unpleasant realization made the most sense. Adrián wanted to shield me from other men because he was worried that I’d embarrass him with my disobedience. I’d managed to fool him with my meek act, and now, he’d want to bring me in line for defying him. Once we were alone, he’d punish me for running.

There was nothing I could do but take it. I couldn’t escape this boat, and I couldn’t risk leaving his protection until I reached safer territory.

I followed Jasiel to the bedrooms with a growing dread weighing down my stomach. The guest “bedrooms” were little more than small alcoves with mattresses tucked inside, but they were clean, and doors provided privacy. At least, we’d be hidden from prying eyes. I doubted there was any real sound privacy.

I flushed, Adrián’s extra bribe paid to the captain at the forefront of my mind. What did he plan to do to me? What punishment did he have in store?

He still hadn’t released my hand, and his hold was firm enough to warn me not to fuss or struggle.

Adrián set his pack down in the larger of the two rooms, leaving Mateo the one with a twin sized bed. Mateo didn’t complain. He seemed to do anything Adrián asked without complaint or challenge. The man might as well have been a dog for the blind loyalty he showed his boss.