Page 89 of Obsessed Heir

James wasn’t exaggerating when he said the shops were located right by the ship. The long line of small souvenir shops sits along the waterfront.

The distinct sound of an engine comes from somewhere above. I glance up, spotting a small red-and-white plane approaching. It zooms by in a flash, the wings on top and bottom reminding me of bookshelves.

In seconds, it’s out of sight, past the buildings and the trees lining the mountains on both sides of the wide stretch of rich blue water. Water deep enough to hold a ship the size of theIce Maiden.

Saliva pools along the sides of my tongue. I glance away, toward the crowd of tourists milling about the stores.

“Oh, it’s the Maiden,” the people around point me out, a few stopping me along the way.

“Barron…”

“Is it true…”

“He’s so handsome…”

Every comment leads me back to the one man I don’t want to think about. I’m finally able to escape, though my phone tells me I don’t have much time left.

The first shop I come to has everything I need. Warmups withAlaskaprinted down a leg in bold white letters. A T-shirt with seals across the chest. Gray socks decorated with black bears. Underwear with bear cubs pictured on the hip. Just like James said, everything here has something to do with Alaska.

I pick up a more expensive, embroidered sweatshirt and head to the cashier. Guilt piles on me with every step.

I don’t care what you’ve already taken… Barron’s accusatory words echo in my mind, taunting me.

I should be able to hand my card over at the register and get a simple change of clothes. Maybe several, given that I’d still spend less on these few items than I would for a single T-shirt on the ship.

Even as I add up the total in my head, I can’t bring myself to take those last steps to the counter.

Although I can technically afford these, the money ultimately came from Miss Opal. After Barron’s little revelation, I can’t use a single dollar of her money without feeling like I’m ready to throw up.

Hot tears burn my eyes again as I put the sweatshirt back. How could I justify needing that when it’s warm out? Then I stack the T-shirt and the warmups and hang up the package of underwear on its peg with a trembling hand.

I step outside, blinking rapidly against the fresh assault of moisture in my eyes, only to be met with a huge black bear set up as a decoration. The massive paws are positioned upright, big enough to fully cover my entire head.

If we’d met up in the Alaskan wilderness, the ferocious creature would probably crush me without a second thought. Much like the man I’d been thinking of.

“Abby,” a familiar voice calls my name.

I pause, glancing around as shoppers crowd the sidewalk.

Doctor Stein is making his way toward me from another shop. He zigzags to avoid a few people and catches up. “Are you still shopping?”

“No.” I shake my head lightly. “I think I’m done exploring.”

“Are you heading to the suite, then?”

“Yes, Doctor. Did you need something?” I ask, doing my best to hide the feelings churning inside me at the thought of entering the suite.

“I could use a travel companion on the walk back,” he replies, angling a thumb over his shoulder to indicate the direction of the ship. “If you don’t mind, that is.”

“I don’t mind at all,” I agree, producing a smile, relieved to have someone along for the return trip. A buffer, in case Barron is in the living area when we arrive. I’m not ready to come face-to-face with him yet, not after the emotional whirlwind he’s put me through.

Walking up the ramp is a little easier since I’m not alone. Though waiting in line, with each new person adding more weight to the bridge, is nerve-racking.

“Maiden,” a security guard shouts from the front. He raises a beefy arm and waves us forward. For once, I’m glad to be recognized.

“Let’s go,” Doctor Stein urges.

We cut to the right and move up, with me excusing myself every few feet.

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