Page 34 of Devoted to the Enemy

“All I’m gonna say is that you're lucky that you're my future don or I might try.” Luca winked at Mia through the mirror, and she laughed a warm, real laugh that made me forget the slight pang of jealousy.

Luca’s flirtation and jokes were harmless, and it was good to see Mia finding her place among my friends.

We arrived at the port just in time to begin loading onto the ferry. Enzo and Luca join the other men while Mia and I prepared to board. Mia tensed as we walked through the gate with our fake ids. But we passed without a problem and were soon settled on board.

"We have just over six hours before we will be in Nice. We could go swimming or sunbathe at the pool deck."

"I don't think that would be a good idea." Mia looked away from me and began fidgeting with her shirt hem.

“Why not? It could be relaxing to soak up some sun and maybe have a drink.”

“I just don't feel up to it if that's okay. Maybe I'll just go try to find a seat somewhere to rest.”

“I'm sorry. Of course, you need to rest after everything you've been through. If you want to rest, we have a cabin. Do you need a nap first and we could swim later?”

“I don't even have a swimsuit.”

“They have shops on board. I'll buy you any one you want.”

“I just don't want to go swimming, okay?” Mia snapped before taking a step back. “I'm sorry I'm just tired. And there's a lot to think about with the wedding. Can we just go to the cabin please?”

“Of course,” I said hesitantly and led Mia toward the stairs that led to the cabins.

“I didn't mean to upset you.” I studied her as we walked. “I thought you enjoyed swimming like we did on vacation when we were in Nice before.”

“I did. I mean I do. I just don't think it's a good idea right now and I don't feel like being out in front of all those people.” Mia was acting strange, almost like she was uncomfortable with me, and I didn't like it.

I let her into the cabin and threw our suitcases on the bed. “I'm afraid there's not much in the bags. I mostly brought these for show on the ferry because I couldn't travel with much when sneaking into Corsica. But I can buy you anything you need while we're here.”

“As long as there's something for me to sleep in I'm fine. I just want to sleep.”

“Okay. But I wouldn't sleep for the whole trip, or you won't be able to sleep tonight.”

“I know.”

I hesitated before bringing up any other plans, but I had to keep her talking. I had to know what was going on with her and why she was acting so strange. “There's a great restaurant on board. I thought it would be fun to go out to dinner together but after you rest, of course.”

“That sounds good, but I guess that means Iwillneed something to wear.”

“Why don't I go pick out something for you while you rest? I can surprise you with a beautiful dress to wear to dinner tonight.”

“That sounds wonderful, but I think I should pick out my own dress. Why don't you stay with me for a little while? I would love to be able to just lay in your arms.”

That sounded better to me than anything I had suggested, and I smiled, knowing that she was at least still the Mia that I loved somewhere inside.

"That sounds amazing."

"Good. I'm just going to change."

Mia took out a pair of soft sleep pants and one of my big shirts and took them into the bathroom to change.When had she gotten so shy?She wouldn't even change in front of me and that left me even more confused and curious.

Once Mia got out of the bathroom we pulled down the blanket and sheet and she climbed into bed. I climbed in behind her and she snuggled up against me. Before long she was sound asleep. I was just dozing off when my phone chimed. Sleepily, I reached over to the side table and opened the lock screen.

+39 06 373 8001: Train will be arriving tonight. Meet me at the Blue Sapphire at ten.

A sick feeling settled in my stomach, and I wasn't sure if it was because I was hiding something from Mia or if it was because I felt too far out of control of the situation. Maybe it was a little of both.

I put my phone down and tried to fall back asleep, but the strange way Mia had been acting kept nagging at me. She rolled over and draped her arm across me. The hem of my shirt that she wore lifted up a bit on her side and that's when I saw the hint of a bruise spread over her barely exposed flank.

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