Page 38 of The Perfect Deception

Damn. I’m on a luxury cruise for three days with the hottest man I’ve ever laid eyes on, and he did all of this for me. Who am I to question him? If he says it’s not him in that photo, then it’s not him. End of story. I swipe on a summery shade of pink lipstick and head back to Damien.

Tonight, I’m going to relax, get a little tipsy, and enjoy my man. No more overthinking.

“Hey, handsome,” I say, laying a hand on his forearm, grinning as he turns toward me.

“Francesca, you’re gorgeous.” His eyes heat up as he leans in, brushing a soft kiss along my jaw. “I’m sorry I upset you,” he whispers, his breath warm in my ear.

A shiver runs down my spine, and I instinctively arch into him. “I’m not upset. I’m just scared for you, Damien.” I kiss him again, soft and far too quick. “But let’s not talk about that anymore.” I’ve already said more than I wanted to, and it’s time to change the mood.

“Okay. Drink?” he offers, his tone lighter.

“Definitely,” I say with a smile. “Did I miss anything?”

“Nothing important. Everything from massages to cocktails, meals and valet services are all included in the costs. That man over there is the captain if you need anything special and that woman over there is the concierge.” He points to a woman in tailored slacks and a blouse with a scarf around her neck.

We grab drinks at the bar, and I notice Damien strategically avoiding everyone who might recognize him and want to chat. “Let’s toast. To lovers, getaways and a good time.”

Damien’s lips part into a bright smile. “I’ll certainly drink to that.” He taps the edge of his glass to mine and takes a slow, sultry sip. “Dance with me?”

Holy fucking swoon.It’s as if he knows exactly what to say to shake off the rest of my mad. A man who not onlycandance but is willing to—in public, no less—is as irresistible as being handsome and charming and rich. I knock back the champagnewith a grin and put my hand in his. “I would love to dance with you, Damien.”

He leads me to the dance floor, taking my hand in his before twirling me toward him until we’re chest to chest. Face to face. His dance moves are impressive and after a minute or two, our dancing draws the attention of the crowd. A few couples join us on the dance floor while others are content to watch.

A woman with beautiful long red hair and a skintight green dress is laughing loudly, drawing as much attention as we are. Her lips are painted an impressive shade of red and she’s wrapped around a buff guy who I’d describe as a gym rat. When I look up at Damien, I notice that he’s watching the couple. And scowling.

“Are you okay?” I put one hand to the side of his face to divert his attention to me. “Do you know those people?”

“No, but they are obnoxious in a place where that behavior sticks out. I don’t like it.”

I laugh. “Oh, so my man is a snob?”

“What? No. I’m not a snob. It’s just rude.” He shakes his head, the look of disgust evident.

“Hmm,” I say rather than arguing. “If you say so.”

“I do.” His grin is big and bright. “Now let’s get out of here.” He grabs my hand and drags me off the dance floor, through the crowd and up to the deck where there’s nothing but black water for miles all around us and sparkling skies above.

“Where are we going?”

“Dinner,” he says over his shoulder and the sight of him makes the next breath stick in my throat. He’s beautiful and the look of love he’s sending me knocks me off balance.

I love this man with my whole heart.

It’s a scary realization but I do my best to keep my smile placid, at least until I spot the cloth covered table topped with candles and a bucket of ice with a bottle chilling in it. “Damien.”

“Nothing but the best for my precious kitten.”

I like the sound of that far more than I should. “Sounds amazing. Looks even better.” The closer we get to the table the more my shoulders relax and the thoughts about the case fade into the background. It’s easy to do since Damien is here with me and—technically—not in danger. “This is incredible. Thank you.”

Damien takes my hand in his and brushes a soft kiss across the knuckles. “Believe me when I tell you that it is my absolute pleasure.”

When he says it like that, with his voice a little gravelly and his eyes dark and focused on me, I want to fall into the depths of his hazel gaze and never leave.

We sit and enjoy another glass of champagne as the yacht glides through the water. It’s romantic and peaceful.

The food comes out in multiple courses, starting with small bites that lead into bigger and bigger bites until I’m satisfied and feeling so high that I could almost float away. The salmon mousse is excellent—smooth and flavorful. The sushi adds a nice touch of elegance, with each bite bringing a clean, refined taste. Simple, but satisfying.

“Is everything to your liking?” Damien asks.

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