Chapter 8

I stare at her, waiting for her to laugh it off or whisper-shout ‘Gotcha!’. Nothing happens.

“Is it really that hard to believe, Darling?” she says with a look of feigned hurt.

“No, no. I just…” I trail off, not sure of what to say. “I’m just surprised. Meeting the owner on my first full day on the ship was not on my bingo card.

“Expect the unexpected, Darling.” She sings while adding some layers of paint on Miss Nibbleton’s ears. “And don’t worry. If I end up hating you, I won’t order you off the ship or anything. I could… but I won’t.”

That gets a small laugh out of me. 

“But I have a feeling we’ll be good friends, Vienna.” She says turning to face me again.

“I would love that. And I’m not just saying that because you own the ship, though that does have its perks. Could you get me to cut the line for the water park?” I ask like a toddler asking a parent for candy.

“I may be inclined to abuse my power a little. I’m sure the kids won’t mind waiting a few more minutes.” She says with a sly smile.

* * *

We finished our class with Madame Dubois’ painting named ‘The Most Thought-Provoking’. No surprise there. After she thanked Mrs. Harbinger for the compliment and we left, she suggested we join the evening Pilates class happening on the main deck. 

We’ll be able to watch the ocean go by below us while we put our bodies through rigorous exercise and sip champagne and have girly chats after. Not exactly how I would’ve planned to spend my evening but hey why not.

I head back to my room to change into something more appropriate for the class. Once I get there, I wash off my makeup, not wanting to sweat with a full face of cake on. I tie my hair up in a high pony and slip on some workout clothes I usually wear when on a run with Nic around the estate. 

Whenever I’m on those runs, the thought of scaling the fence and just running away always comes to me. Or just asking the security to let me out so I can get more miles in. But Zeke warned them to never let me leave the estate without him for anything.

The only person other than Zeke I’m allowed to go out with is Nicola. And that’s only on the condition that I keep my phone on. I had no idea that it was because there was a tracker on it. That’s how she was able to sneak me out. Though I had to hide in my luggage to get through security. Zeke had ordered them not to let me out of the estate for the length of time he is gone.

I’m sure Zeke has no idea that Nic knows everything. Or that she’s still with Oscar only for her brother’s tuition. But the thing is, you never know with Zeke. He could know everything and I wouldn’t have the slightest idea. He could be waiting patiently for an opportunity to strike. 

He could know I’m on this ship right now. He could be headed here right now to get me.

My palm connects with my cheek before I can reconsider. I walk to my vanity mirror and stare at myself dead in the eyes.

“Snap out of it, Vi!” I scream to my reflection. “He is not coming to get you! He doesn’t even know you’re here and even if he did, you’re in the middle of the ocean, damn it!” I grip the edge of the chair to calm myself down. I force myself to lower my voice.

“You are not allowed to spend another waking moment thinking of him. You will have your whole life to do that once this cruise is over. But for now, that monster doesn’t exist!”

I walk away from the mirror and collapse onto my bed in tears. Enjoying this cruise is going to be much harder than I thought. 

The fear that Zeke is coming after me with intentions of my demise is always at the back of my mind. Not to mention the best reminder of my hopeless situation is literally just a wall away.

I got a text from Madame Dubois. We exchanged numbers after the painting class.

She says to meet on the deck and whoever gets there has to ask the instructor for private lessons for a week.

I laugh a little as I send her a ‘You’re on!’ next to an emoji of a running woman. I get off the bed and walk to the bathroom to watch my face again.

I grab my phone and head out the door, locking it behind me. As I turned around, I ran into a wall I didn’t know was there, dropping my phone. As I pick it up I realise that this wall is actually a human. One with the broadest chest I’ve ever seen. A chest that’s all too familiar. 

I lock eyes with Hans Griffin. 

A familiar scent fills my nostrils and it takes a moment but I recognize it as the signature scent that Louis Vuitton produces just for him. A bottle a month for the richest man in Greater New York.

I used to sleep in sheets with that scent. Next to a man I loved with that scent. That scent used to bring me so much joy because it meant the love of my life was close by. Now that joy is mixed with reservations.

He stares at me for a moment before letting out a deep sigh.

“Good day Mrs. Carter.”

I stare back at him, unable to respond just yet. His jaw is tight and I can see the outline of his fists clenching in his pockets. He clearly doesn’t want to do this, but I think he just agreed to the truce.

I force myself to speak.

“Hello Hans… I mean Mr. Griffin.” I say bowing my head at my mistake. We’re clearly not on a first name basis yet.

He gives me a curt nod before walking into his room and shutting the door, leaving only his scent as proof that he was actually here.

I stay motionless, unsure and unable to comprehend what just

happened.

Enjoying this cruise might be easier than I thought.