Page 12 of Obsessed Heir

Maybe it’s the recent difficulties she’s faced, the hospitalization, her advancing age, and the indignities that would come from depending on a stranger’s assistance that makes me second-guess myself.

It’s the unguarded expression that has me shoving down my own overpowering fears. I don’t know how I’ll do this, but I produce the happiest smile I can manage then hear myself saying, “Yes, ma’am, of course I’ll go with you.”

But if going out onto the ocean isn’t enough to call my childhood demons, the storm brewing in Barron’s eyes promises I’ll come to regret my decision.

Chapter Four

Barron

If my mother didn’t seem so pleased and relieved, by the situation, I would outright deny the scheming girl’s presence on this cruise.

But that fleeting expression of grateful reprieve on her face stops me from voicing an objection.

Her eyes brighten, and the worry lines relax as a small smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. Instead of speaking my mind, I’m left grinding my teeth so I don’t crush her happiness.

Stein takes control of the wheelchair and heads toward the gangway, with Abigail trailing demurely behind them.

“You’re going to love the ship,” Stein declares jovially, though I can’t tell who he’s addressing.

Turning away from the infuriating scene, I find James watching me with thinly veiled apprehension. He tightens his grip on the luggage handles, squaring his shoulders as he adjusts the strap of the backpack that kicked off this whole catastrophe.

“Sir, I may have to put both ladies in Mrs. McClelland’s cabin,” he says, careful to sound neutral. “Miss Holly only booked one room, and we have nothing else available.”

My jaw clenches at the thought of that scheming gold-digging girl having any access to my mother’s private quarters.

Thanks to Holly’s PR blitz about this voyage, we’re at capacity. We don’t have a single stateroom to spare on the entire ship.

Regardless, there’s no way I’m leaving Abigail in the same room with my vulnerable mother. Not without putting some boundaries in place.

It only takes me a split second to decide. Conveniently, this clears up the issue of where to set up the newlyweds.

“Put them in my suite,” I instruct in a clipped tone. My suite consists of an oversized living area, kitchenette, and two separate bedroom wings with en suite baths.

The problem is the other bedroom on my side is in use. Holly staged it for marketing photos. I have no choice but to leave them next to each other, at least for now.

“They can use the bedrooms on the other side of the suite.”

“Consider it done, sir.” James gives a quick nod of acknowledgment.

“Once you drop off their luggage”—I look down at the cases with renewed annoyance—“head to Stein’s office.”

“Yes, sir.”

We catch up with Stein at his office. There, much to my mounting aggravation, he has me wait outside during the X-ray.

I take the opportunity to track down Holly.

“Everything okay?” she asks, picking up on the first ring.

“For the moment.” Which is the best anyone can hope for.

“Good. Are you going to make it to the launch festivities?” she presses, trying to keep me on task.

“We’ll see what Stein has to say after the X-ray.”

“Right,” she says, sounding distracted.

“If her ankle is broken, I’ll ask Rhys Davenport to fly her to a hospital.”

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