Page 101 of Unapologetic Obsession
“Hasn’t the gala already started?” I looked around at the free-flowing alcohol and trays of appetizers. My nose sniffed the air like a cartoon character when I saw a platter of mushrooms stuffed with melted cheese. The server disappeared before I could grab his attention.
Marcus shook his head. “I have a strict tradition for my Captain’s Receptions. Every gala starts with a first dance. Call it superstition, but I’ve never had a ship go down on my watch.”
My face dimmed when another waitstaff member walked by with risotto balls. He was too far away for me to grab his attention.
“And the dance is always led by the hosts or one of our VIP guests.”
Their conversation was a dull hum in the background as I scouted for more servers with silver trays. That was until Kai extended his hand toward me, his palm facing up. “I’m one of the VIP guests. May I have this dance?”
Mischievous eyes peered at me, and I immediately recoiled. It was one thing to flirt with me, but a dance? Did he have a death wish?
Caden’s reaction was immediate. He grabbed the lapel of Kai’s tux. It was subtle enough that others wouldn’t notice unless they were paying attention, but aggressive enough to get the point across. His other hand, still laced with mine, pulled me behind him. “Want to keep that hand, Cavendish?”
My wide eyes moved between them. Kai wasn’t vexed and gracefully shrugged out of Caden’s hold.
“Worth a shot.” He smoothed out his jacket.
“Tread carefully.” Caden’s silky voice spoke volumes.
“Aren’t we sensitive.” Kai seemed pleased that he had gotten under Caden’s skin.
The two men went back and forth with a few more rebukes. I was so distracted by them that I missed yet another server with hors d’oeuvres. With his seething glare still fixed on Kai, Caden tracked someone out of the corner of his eye and summoned them with the flick of his wrist. I rose to my tippy-toes to see who had caught his attention and was delighted to see him beckoning a server. When the waiter reached us, Caden nudged his head toward me. The man materialized at my side, and I hastily accepted his offered napkin and grabbed a lollipop chicken. My favorite. The crispy skin was glazed to perfection, and I longingly stared at the tray, knowing I could easily eat ten more. However, that would be inappropriate at such a fancy party, and I was determined not to embarrass Caden.
When the server tried to leave, Caden said, “Leave the tray.”
The man seemed confused by the unusual request, but he knew that his temperamental boss didn’t like to repeat himself. “O-of course, sir.”
Ecstasy burst in my chest when he dropped the entire tray on the cocktail table beside me. Grabbing a shaved bone, I lifted apiece of lollipop chicken to my mouth. There was a slight twitch in Caden’s lips when I closed my eyes, though he still hadn’t released Kai from his death glare. Mouthwatering crispy skin melted onto my tongue as my gaze, full of suspense, bounced between the two men.
Their verbal rebuttals had turned into a silent battle of wills. I could almost discern their glares. Caden seemed to be saying,Don’t push me when it comes to her.Kai was saying something to the extent of,You deserve to be fucked with, asshole.
Marcus eyed them and coughed uncomfortably. When that didn’t garner a reaction, he grabbed the nearby mic. His voice boomed through the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Captain’s Gala. Are you having fun tonight?”
The announcement was a wise distraction as the crowd turned toward us and cheered. The glaring contest ended, and I quickly pulled Caden away while Marcus thanked the guests for joining the cruise and made a few opening remarks. I redirected Caden’s attention to the delicious tray of chicken. His lips quirked when I offered him a piece, though he shook his head. I shrugged and resumed eating, only to find him watching me as if I were the most fascinating thing in the world.
After his bad mood seeped out, I asked, “What’s going on between you and that guy, Kai?”
Caden watched me for a moment. “A difference of opinion.”
“Over?”
He weighed his words carefully. “I provided financial assistance to someone who had done me a favor. Cavendish wasn’t thrilled about it.”
“Why would he care if you gave someone money?”
“He was hoping to bankrupt this person and had specifically asked me not to get involved.”
Christ! Rich people and their twisted games. Kai was trying to rile Caden up just for helping someone.
I glossed over Kai. What an asshole. Kai grabbed a champagne flute from one of the servers and took a deliberate sip, though I noticed his eyes peered over his cup. The move was discreet but so concentrated that I stopped eating. I followed his gaze until it landed on a familiar face. Amelie was chatting with a group of guests near the bar. For a moment, I was struck by her beauty all over again. It was the first time I had seen her out of her scrubs, her long dark strands swaying around her blue mermaid dress. Her Middle Eastern features stood out prominently with her shapely brows, almond eyes, and deep golden skin. I wasn’t surprised Kai was staring at Amelie. She was probably the most beautiful woman here. The intensity behind his stare merely took me aback.
My attention returned to Marcus as he introduced the crew responsible for onboard hospitality and gave us a brief history of the boat’s construction. There was pride in his voice. He concluded his spiel by extending his hand toward me and Caden. “I would now like to invite our host to kick off this gala with the first dance.”
My lips were around a piece of chicken when the spotlight fell on us, and every pair of eyes was on me. There was no warning, only mortification.
Caden didn’t miss a beat. He grabbed a cocktail napkin and wiped my hands like a parent helping their dirty child wash up after dinner. He did it with so much confidence, you’d think cleaning me under hundreds of watchful eyes was the most natural thing in the world.
“Dance with me,” he said.
