Page 31 of Obsessed Heir

Her expression turns thoughtful as she considers my words. “I understand,” she finally says. “Itisa bit rough at times.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Relief courses through me at how quickly she accepts my excuse. Any other time, I’d feel horrible about putting her off like this.

“You’ve done fabulously well for someone who’s never been on a ship,” she says with a hint of pride.

“Thank you. I wasn’t sure how I’d do.” We have another rough wave, and I stop, closing my eyes for a second to settle my stomach.

“Why don’t you message Barron to come by for me once he’s here,” she suggests. “So you can go lie down.”

My heart sinks at the suggestion. Without even trying, she’s inadvertently backed me into the exact scenario I was hoping to avoid. Having direct, though not face-to-face contact with Barron, which would still put me straight in his cross-hairs.

“That’s okay, Miss Opal. I can take you.” Barron doesn’t need to know he got under my skin. Though the simple fact I’m cutting out early will be enough for him to figure it out.

“Let’s get me to the couch so you can go rest,” she suggests.

She steps down, pivoting to sit in the chair. I take off the brake, pull back, and change direction to take her into the hall.

The sound of muffled voices reaches us as we approach the living area. My heartbeat kicks up. Is Barron already out here waiting?

“Bring the table over.” James’s voice filters down the hall.

Miss Opal turns, leaning up. “Sounds like we have company,” she whispers.

“Yes.” I manage to keep the surge of relief out of my voice. The extra voices mean more people around as a buffer between Barron and me. It should be easier to step away and help James while Miss Opal is distracted.

The knot forming in the middle of my back relaxes a bit. Feeling renewed, I pick up the pace, steering the chair into the living area.

The rich aroma of roasted meat and herbs fills the room. My mouth waters, despite the fact I can’t identify the meal by the scent.

“James,” one of the two men assisting him calls out. He nods in our direction, setting a small crystal vase in the center of the white linen tablecloth.

James turns, hearing his name, his features relaxing when he sees us. “Ladies, just a moment please, while we get everything in place.”

“Don’t rush on our account,” Miss Opal says, trying to put everyone at ease.

The men continue arranging polished utensils, cloth napkins, and gold-rimmed china.

“Isn’t that exquisite?” Miss Opal remarks, her eyes shining.

“It is,” I agree.

“Abby is just helping me out of my room. We won’t be underfoot,” she explains to James.

“I only wish we could have offered you dinner by moonlight,” James says, sounding apologetic.

My stomach twists. The only thing worse than being surrounded by water is being surrounded by dark water. Suddenly, the meal isn’t quite as appealing.

“I’m afraid with us traveling into this storm, that won’t be possible,” he concludes. “The water’s growing choppy, and it’s bound to get worse.”

“Oh, I understand,” Miss Opal says with a note of sympathy. She turns to me, placing a palm on her chest as her eyes soften with compassion. “Abby isn’t doing well with the way the ship is moving. The poor dear is going to settle in for the night.”

“Miss Abby?” James says with concern as the other two continue to set up the table. “Would you prefer to have your meal in your room?”

“That’s not necessary.” I don’t want to put him or anyone else out because I’m trying to avoid Barron.

“No trouble at all.” He waves to a trolley in the corner. “I brought dinner for all three of you. Duck breast, roasted vegetables, and greens.”

“Goodness, that sounds wonderful.” Miss Opal leans left so she can look over her shoulder at me. “You simply can’t miss out on this, Abby.”

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