Page 26 of Companion Required

Chapter Twelve

Kieran

Inside the bowels of the Diamond Princess, despite the spotlessness and attempt at wood-panelling-and-plush-carpet opulence, the corridors felt oppressive. Kieran kept having flashbacks to the scenes in the movieTitanicwhere Kate and Leo tried desperately to escape the sinking through one identical corridor after another. Kennedy walked in front, trailing behind the white-suited Asian steward who had insisted on carrying his bags. Kieran had been left to bring his own. Stopping outside a large white double-door, the steward brought out a small cardboard pocket containing key cards. Before he had a chance to step inside, Kennedy put a hand on the man’s shoulder to get his attention. Taking the cards with one hand, he stuffed a banknote in the steward’s top pocket with the other.

“Thanks, Simeon. We can take it from here. I’ve stayed in this room before. I know my way around.”

“As you wish, Mr Grey,” he said, his smile beaming. “Everything is arranged for tonight as requested. They’ll come by at five-thirty to set up. But if there’s anything you need, sir. And I meananything, dayornight, just call. I’ll be your personal attendant for the whole journey. Have a wonderful voyage with us.”

His gaze barely skimmed Kieran as he backed away from them. When Kennedy returned his attention to the open door, Kieran felt sure he rolled his eyes. Without a second thought, he followed Kennedy’s footsteps across the cabin threshold and moved inside, but then immediately stopped, a gasp escaping him.

“Yeah, nice, isn’t it? One of the ship’s six loft suites. Had to book this baby up early,” said Kennedy, dropping his bag at the door and critically assessing the space.

Opening into a two-level space, the cabin had stately hardwood panels lining three of the interior walls with floor-to-ceiling windows running along the ocean side. On the mezzanine level, a bedroom with a huge, super king-sized bed—the loft, Kieran supposed—sat overlooking the spacious living area. Standing in the middle of the room, he did a quick three-sixty. Wall-to-wall bookcases, three double settees, a fully stocked bar in walnut, an eight-seater dining table and—

“No fucking way. A baby grand? Are you yanking my chain?”

“Comes with the cabin. And tonight, we’re having a cocktail party. Complete with drinks waiter and piano player. Friends only.”

Kieran didn’t want to think how much this lot had set Kennedy back.

“Am I going to have to put out for all of this?”

Kennedy laughed aloud, a sound Kieran was really starting to enjoy. The man didn’t laugh nearly enough, according to his father and sister. He still found it funny how both had whispered parting words with almost the same intent, to come back soon with Kennedy, because he brought out the best in him.

“Nope,” came Kennedy’s voice, bringing him back to the scene. “A deal’s a deal. And although I may be a ruthless bastard when it comes to business, I am an honest one. But there is one drawback. Only one bedroom and only one bed,” said Kennedy, turning and scrutinizing Kieran. “Now, I’m happy to get the settee here made up for you each night, but upstairs will be a lot more comfortable and I promise to be a complete gentleman. And apart from me sleeping in sweatpants and a tee, that mattress is huge, so there’ll be no accidental rolling over and brushing up against each other in the night. So I suggest we give it a try and, if you’re not happy, you can have the couch. Unless, of course,Iget lucky, in which case those curtains will be nailed shut and you’ll be on the couch anyway.”

Kieran peered up at the loft. A waist-height glass balcony and heavy white curtain—currently opened—partitioned the bedroom from the living room. If Kennedy brought someone back, Kieran would be able to hear everything.

“For all your bravado, you are quite gullible at times,” laughed Kennedy, heading towards the window. “Relax, I’m only kidding. The last time I got lucky, Tony Blair was still Prime Minister.”

Not for the first time, Kieran took in the man and had a hard time believing he’d have difficulty getting laid. Classically handsome, and someone who clearly looked after his body, he screamed sophistication and style, from his designer jeans to his perfectly fitted white flannel jacket.

“Okay. Now it’s just you and me, I need to ask you something,” said Kennedy, turning to the window and thrusting his hands into his jeans pockets. “What did you say to my father?”

Kieran made a point of avoiding Kennedy’s gaze.

“About?”

“You tell me.”

“I’m not sure what you want me to say. We chatted about a whole heap of things.”

Kennedy waited for him to make eye contact, but didn’t seem angry. After a moment of silence between them, he grinned.

“Well, whatever you said, the father I just said goodbye to is not the same one I remember as a kid. And if that’s because of something you said, I need to thank you. But I also need you to know I didn’t hire you to fight my battles. So please, on the cruise, be yourself, enjoy yourself. I have nothing to prove in front of my friends. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

“Now, a few house rules,” began Kennedy, leaning his back against the window.

Kieran perched on a stool by the bar.

“Each day we’re onboard, we’ll have breakfast brought to the room. Part of the deal. After that, I’m not expecting you to be glued to me all day—you can go and get up to whatever you want until dinner time. But we’ll always dine together. Is that understood?”

“Of course.”

“And if there are any special events going on—costume party, captain’s pleasure dinner, even other guests’ private parties—then you’ll accompany me as my plus one. We’ll decide on the port stops whether either or both of us want to join the excursions ashore, as and when they happen. Maybe my friends will chat more about that later. But when we’re together, I’m not expecting any touching or other public displays of affection, but I do expect you to remain by my side and not flirt with any other guests. And I include the female ones in that. Are we clear so far?”

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