Page 21 of Learning to Love

“I think you have.” I chuckle as I take Elodie’s hand to lead her onto the yacht. Hinchbootie and a couple of the bodyguards follow behind us. The crew are standing, waiting to greet us, and we’re introduced to each of them before we’re shown around.

The yacht is, indeed, luxurious. It even has its own swimming pool on board. The rooms are decorated in the most lavish wall coverings and fabrics, and the dining room is like something from the Titanic in its opulent grandeur.Fingers crossed for a better outcome for this journey, though.

“What shall we do first?” Elodie asks as the yacht leaves the harbor, and the captain sets a good speed.

“I don’t know about you, but I think I want to go for a swim in that pool.”

“Good idea. I’ll need somewhere to change,” Elodie points out.

One of the stewardesses, who’s there to look after us, steps forward.

“Your cabin is this way, Miss Nash. Your belongings have been taken to it already.”

“Oh,” Elodie replies. “Thank you.”

Elodie disappears with the stewardess to get changed. I watch her go, excited for the day in front of us. Turning around, I look over the railings of the vessel. The ocean is perfectly clear, and its warm blue color is inviting. Despite Elodie’s fear of sharks, I’ve been assured it’s perfectly safe to swim in the waters where we’re going to anchor.

“Your Highness.” Hinchbootie appears at my side.

“Why aren’t you off reading your book?” I question, turning to look at him. Something is wrong. I can tell instantly by the frown marring his face. “What is it?”

“I don’t think I’ll be reading a book today. I’ve just had word that the local newspaper here published a picture of you and Miss Nash together with the headline, ‘Is the Prince of Janastria now working his way through the women of Serendipity?’

“What are Elodie and I doing in the picture?” I curse the press inwardly. They are the bane of my life.

“It’s a picture of you both on the beach yesterday. You are kissing.”

“Fuck, do my parents know?”

Hinchbootie shakes his head. “I think that’ll be my next port of call if you pardon the pun, seeing as we’re on a yacht.”

I sigh heavily, knowing this is going to put my father into a rage again. It’s not what he thinks, though. It’s innocent, but I doubt he’ll listen.

“I need to speak to Elodie and let her know what’s going on, then I’ll help you with my father. So much for a relaxing and enjoyable day out.”

“Being in the middle of the ocean might be the best way of escaping this at the moment, sir.” Hinchbootie offers some solace in the shit show that is my life.

“I hope you’re right about that,” I respond as I trudge away despondently toward Elodie’s room. I knock lightly on the door.

“Hello,” she calls from inside.

“It’s Dalton,” I reply.

“Enter. I’m decent.” Elodie’s laugh of amusement comes from the other side of the door.

I want to race to the captain and tell him to take the yacht as far away from land as possible so we don’t have to face this. I don’t want the breath of fresh air I’ve found in Elodie to be drawn into the world I detest. I can’t abandon my responsibilities, though. I have to face this.

Opening the door, I see Elodie wrapping a sarong around her waist. She’s dressed in a teal bikini, which perfectly complements her light tanned skin and blonde hair.

“Wow,” I exclaim, and my dick hardens instantly.

Then I remember why I’m here, and it’s like a cold shower of gloom.

“What’s wrong?” Elodie’s smile contorts into a frown.

“There’s no easy way of saying this. Mr. Hinchbottom has just had word that we were photographed kissing on the beach yesterday. It’s headline local news with a rather derogatory comment aimed toward me.”

“Photographed kissing? I don’t understand. What does it say?” Elodie comes across from where she’s standing and stops in front of me. “Are you all right? Are you in trouble?”

---