Page 2 of Curves and Courage

Freya flops onto the bed with a contented sigh. “I could get used to this. I mean, who wouldn’t want to wake up to this view every morning?”

I laugh, dropping onto the bed beside her. “Right? I might never leave.”

After a few moments of soaking it all in, we decide it’s time to explore. I change into something more comfortable—an easy, breezy sundress that flatters my curves—while Freya opts for a chic romper that shows off her long legs. We grab our room keys and head back out, eager to see what else the ship has to offer.

As we wander through the various decks, we’re given complimentary glasses of champagne. The bubbles fizz on my tongue as we roam, and I’m struck by the sheer variety of amenities available.

There’s the Aqua Aura Pool Bar, with its vibrant blue and turquoise decor and cascading water features. Then, the Stellar Sky Lounge is perched high atop the ship, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the starlit sky. And just as we clutch our third glass of bubbles, we find the Sapphire Seas Steakhouse, where the scent of sizzling steak makes my stomach growl in anticipation.

“We are definitely trying that steakhouse,” Freya says, her eyes lighting up as we pass by the restaurant where we see chefs with tall white hats preparing meals for the new guests. “It smells amazing.”

“Agreed,” I say, my mouth watering at the incredible smells. “And we have to check out the Sky Lounge at some point. The view from up there must be incredible.”

Freya nods enthusiastically. “Oh, absolutely. Cocktails with a view? Count me in.”

As the Voyager pushes away from dock, we continue our exploration, taking in the party atmosphere and all the sights and sounds of the ship. As we move towards the never-ending depths of the deep blue ocean, the gentle sway of the vessel beneath our feet is soothing.

I close my eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the sun wash over me.

This is bliss.

As I soak in the warmth of the sun, and the champagne starts to give me a real buzz, I can’t help but let my mind wander to my love life—or rather, the lack of it.

It’s not that I’ve been avoiding love; I’ve just never really gone looking for it. My career has always taken center stage, and I’ve been content with the occasional fling to satisfy my needs. No strings, no drama, just fun.

But here, on this luxurious ship surrounded by endless possibilities, I can’t help but hope for something a little more…exciting. A sexy sailor, a budding chef or even just some old-fashioned hot, steamy,passionatesex. You know, the kind that leaves me breathless and wanting more.

After all, what’s a vacation without a little adventure?

Just as I’m beginning to imagine all the casual nights I might encounter in the next two weeks, I feel my foot slip on the decking boards. As I try to steady myself, making damn sure not to spill a drop of my champagne, I feel a sudden, solid presence in front of me.

My face collides with something. Something hard. Something that squashes my nose and nearly knocks me off balance.Instinctively, I reach out, my hands landing on what feels like a wall of solid muscle. I blink, trying to regain my composure, and as my vision clears, I realize what—or rather, who—I’ve just crashed into.

“Oof!” I stumble backwards. I blink up, my gaze traveling up, and up, and up… until it meets the most intense pair of blue eyes I’ve ever seen.

Oh. Wow.

Standing before me is a man who looks like he’s been carved out of stone. He’s tall—towering over my tiny frame by at least a foot—and built like a warrior, with broad shoulders and muscles that strain against the fabric of his shirt. His dark hair is shaved on the sides, longer on top, and his chiseled jaw is set in a hard line, as if he’s used to keeping people at a distance. But it’s his eyes that hold me captive—deep, stormy blue, and filled with a mixture of surprise and something else… something darker.

“I’m so sorry!” I blurt out, feeling my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

He doesn’t say anything at first, just looks down at me with those intense eyes, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I think he’s going to brush me off and walk away, but then he speaks, his voice low and rough, like gravel. “It’s fine. Just… watch where you’re going next time.”

There’s no malice in his tone, but there’s a guardedness that makes me think he’s not used to casual interactions.

I nod quickly, stepping back to put some distance between us. “Right. I will. Sorry again.”

He gives a curt nod, his gaze lingering on me for just a second. It’s enough to get me all flustered inside. My nipples tighten under his scrutiny and he stares a moment longer before he turns and strides away, leaving me feeling all… needy?

His broad back disappears in the crowd and I’m just left standing there, gaping at the man who just made my heart feel all weird inside my chest.

What the hell just happened? One minute, I’m sipping champagne, feeling like I’m floating on cloud nine, and the next, I’m crashing into the human equivalent of a mountain.

Freya catches up to me, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and excitement. “Whowas that?”

“I have no idea,” I say, still trying to process the way his voice made me feel. “But… did you see him?”

“Uh, yeah,” Freya replies, her eyes wide. “He’s pretty hard to miss. Total alpha vibes. So, what’s the deal? You get his cabin number?”

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