Page 4 of Transatlantic Terror Cruise

Quinn Riddle is Ransom’s counterpart down in vessel security, the exact counterpart who solemnly vowed to take care of the ship while we were on our honeymoon.

She also happens to have the hots for Ransom, and so help me, if she’s trying to sabotage my honeymoon—or more to the point, so helpher. I would like to think she wouldn’t dare, but honestly, I don’t think it’s beneath her either.

The phone chirps again, and for reasons unknown, it manages to sound more urgent this time, so he scoops it up in haste.

Ransom glances at the screen and his expression shifts ever so slightly—and I have a feeling that subtle change means duty is about to win over desire.

“Let me guess,” I sigh. “Something is about to tear you away from me.”

He lands a kiss to my forehead. “I’m quickly learning you are always right.”

“Okay, I’m resigned to the fact you have to go, but just promise me you’ll come back in one piece.”

“I’ll do my best.” He flexes a dry smile. “I love you, Mrs. Baxter.”

“I love you, too.” I give him a kiss and it’s long, hot, and lingering. “Even if you did marry me under false pretenses regarding your curtain-hanging abilities.”

“If I hung those curtains, I can assure you they wouldn’t have fallen down to begin with.” He lands another heated kiss to my lips before pulling back and frowning at his phone. “Tell you what—I’ll make it up to you with room service when I get back. The works. How does breakfast for dinner sound? Chocolate chip pancakes, extra bacon?—”

“Now you’re just trying to butter me up.” I try to peek at his phone screen, but he’s already replaced it on the nightstand.

“Is it working?”

“Almost. You will make it up to me,” I tease, running my fingers through his thick hair. “But it won’t be by way of a breakfast buffet. Perhaps a buffet of another variety. Although you’re not off the hook for those chocolate chip pancakes either. I’m a sucker for breakfast for dinner.”

“Another reason we’re a perfect fit.” He kisses me once again—quick, but thorough enough to make me wish we could ignore that phone completely, or toss it into the sea. Maybe that redheaded mermaid needs to make a call?

“Save my spot?” he murmurs hot into my ear.

“Always.” I watch as he pulls back, already shifting from honeymoon mode to the head of vessel security.

“Hey, if you want, why don’t you run around the ship?” he offers. “See the new blood on board, maybe catch up with Bess and Nettie?”

I nod at the thought. “Maybe I will.”

“Good.” He lands another kiss to my cheek. “Try not to let any major catastrophes get in the way of some fun.”

“Major catastrophes?” I tease, shooting him a look for even going there. “Like running out of room on my plate after I hit the mac and cheese at the buffet?”

We both know what kinds of catastrophes I specialize in, and they have less to do with cheese-riddled carbohydrates and more to do with murder.

His phone chirps again, and this time he shakes his head as he stares at the screen.

“Ransom, what is it?” I gasp.

“It’s Quinn. She’s in trouble.”

CHAPTER3

While Trixie’s Away, the Ship Will Play—The Elodie Edition

Welcome again to your new cruise life guru! While Trixie explores the finer points of ship security—extensively, I might add—I’ll be your guide to all things deliciously inappropriate at sea. Consider me your compass to nautical naughtiness.

Dear Elodie,

My boyfriend and I just booked our first cruise, and I’m nervous about the small cabin size. Any tips for making the most of the limited space?

Cramped Quarters Carrie

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