Page 18 of Curves and Courage

I nod, looking across to the center of the room. There’s a large, heated pool surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs. There’s a steam room off to one side and its glass walls are fogged with condensation.

Freya pulls me and we head for the pool, excitement radiating off both of us. We sink into the warm water and for a moment, I let myself just be.

“Ah, this is what we came on a cruise for,” Freya says, stretching out on one of the inbuilt lounges on the side of the pool. “Pure comfort and relaxation.”

We talk about Freya adventures for a minute and, safe to say, she’s had a great time in our cabin.

“So, a different guy each night?” I ask, sinking into the water.

Freya shrugs. “Yeah. Two at once on the second night.”

I gasp and splash a wave of water over my friend. “Freya! You’re terrible!”

She laughs and we lose control for a second. It’s nice having this time with her, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Samuel. I hope he’s ok. I’d hate to be sitting here, lapping up this special day that he’s organized for us, only for him to be alone and hurting.

Freya must notice my mind drifting, because she turns to me with a concerned expression. “Alright, time to spill. What’s really going on in that pretty head of yours?”

I open my eyes and stare up at the ceiling. “I think I’m in love with him, Freya. Like,reallove. But I’m scared.”

“Of course you are! Love?! You’ve never felt like that about anyone before, babe.”

“Exactly. It’s all happened so quickly. What if it’s too soon? What if I’m just setting myself up for heartbreak?” I take a deep breath and look to my friend. I love that she listens to me, she’s always been there and this time is no different. “Worse yet, whatif this is just some vacation fling to him? What if it’s all just a big set-up?”

Freya swivels in the water, turning to face me. “Stella, you’ve always been the type to dive in headfirst. It’s one of the things I love about you. But maybe, just maybe this time you should take a step back. Just a little.”

“You think so?”

“I’m not saying don’t trust your feelings, but maybe give it some time. You said it, thisisfast. Just see how things play out, take it slow and if he’s serious too, then you’ll have all the time in the world once you get off the ship.”

Her words hit me harder than I expect. I know she’s looking out for me, but the idea of pulling back feels like pulling away. This is something my heart is aching for, something I desperately want. Something Ineed.

“I don’t want to lose him,” I say quietly, more to myself than her.

Freya reaches out, squeezing my hand and we leave the pool. “You won’t. Just be careful. And if you need to, just talk to him. He seems like a decent guy from what you’re telling me.”

I nod and we head towards the facial rooms. Her words leave a lingering doubt in my mind, but I’m lucky enough to have every treatment available to help ease the stress circling my mind.

Hours pass by and we pamper ourselves. Treatment after treatment, we indulge. I get the best massage I’ve ever had, deep and relaxing, the therapists hands working out every knot and tension in my body. The steam room is a haven of warmth and the facials and skin treatments leave my skin feeling soft and rejuvenated, like I’m glowing with a new vitality.

As we finish our spa day, we head back to our cabin. While Freya is getting dressed, ready for an evening of drinking and flirting, I find myself more anxious about the night ahead. I can’t help but think about the moment that Samuel came to thebar on that very first night, the way he pulled that guy off me, demanding that no one ever touches me again.

The power and possessiveness he showed me that night was everything. It was in that moment that I…

“Shit…”I breathe, the realization hitting me like a brick.

A sudden wave of energy bursts through my veins. I’ve been in love with him this whole time. Right from that moment, when he declared that I was his. The moment he warned me that no one else will ever touch me again. My heart was claimed right then and there, and nothing will ever compare to that moment again.

I grab my phone and text Samuel.

We need to talk.

I hit send, my heart pounding as Freya sings loudly, and terribly, in the bathroom. Seconds tick by, each one feeling like an eternity. I stare at the screen, waiting for the reply, and finally, it comes through.

Just finished at the gym. Meet me at the penthouse.

Relief floods through me, but it’s tinged with a lingering uncertainty. I grab my things, holla at Freya and tell her I’ll catch her later.

As I make my way to the penthouse, my mind is a whirlwind of thoughts. I’m scared. Fucking terrified. But I need to know if he feels the same way, if he’s willing to let down those walls and let me in completely.

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