Page 50 of Love You From Afar

Instead of answering my question, he untangles his arm from mine before linking our fingers together in a tight grasp. His long legs stride in front of me as he leads us down a dark corridor.

“Everett, where are we going?” I ask again. My excitement starts to turn into panic the further we walk into the dark abyss.

“Are you planning to throw me overboard?” I shout. “You know these decks have cameras, right? You’ll be thrown into ship jail before we even dock at the next port.”

He must know that I’m joking because his only response is a low chuckle.Well… I'm only half joking.I’ve watched way too many murder investigation shows to trust anyone.

Everett stops in his tracks as we approach a dimly lit staircase that leads up to the next deck. My heart pounds in my chest as I lift my gaze, noticing that the deck above is pitch black. As far as I can see, there are no lights or people up there… just a black hole. It looks like something straight out of a horror movie.

Everett places one foot on the first step before holding his hand out to me.

“No,” I croak, frantically shaking my head. “No, no, no. I amnotgoing up there.”

“Do you trust me?” Everett’s ocean eyes search mine.

“Hell no,” I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest. “I barely know you.”

His face falls as he places his hands on his hips. “What do you mean you barely know me? You’ve been my ship buddy this entire week. We dominated the cornhole tournament today. Hell, we’re practically teammates now,” he quips.

I roll my eyes as a laugh slips from my throat.Why does he have to be so freaking cute?

“So you think we know each other because we won a cornhole tournament?” I arch a brow.

His expression turns serious as possession fills his eyes. “I can guarantee that I know you better than your so-calledboyfriend,” he clips.

My eyebrows shoot up in shock.He really just went there.If I didn’t already feel embarrassed about Elliot ditching me, I definitely do now.

“You know what?” I narrow my eyes to little slits. “I think it’s time that I head back to myboyfriend. Goodnight, Everett.” I turn my back to him, my heels thumping against the wooden deck as I prepare to let him go on this creepy ass adventure alone.

I only make it a few steps before strong arms sweep me off my feet, cradling my body against a hard chest. Before I have a chance to catch my breath, Everett’s long legs start walking up the haunted steps with me in his arms.

“What the hell?”I scream, my arms flailing as I slap at his chest. I try to break free from his hold, but trying to fight Everett is like going against a brick wall. He doubles me in size, which makes my efforts as worthless as a gun without a bullet.

“You’re never going to get away with this,you freak!” I’m shrieking at the top of my lungs, but that doesn't stop him. He just laughs,fucking laughs, as he continues climbing the stairs like I’m nothing but a feather in his arms.

“Oh, stop being so dramatic,” he mocks. “Besides, you’re too pretty to throw overboard.” He clicks his tongue before giving my thigh a reassuring squeeze.

“Wow, how comforting,” I scoff.

I finally let out a defeated sigh, allowing my body to relax as I slump in his arms, realizing that I have no chance of winning this fight.

“Calm down,” he chuckles. The deep vibrations coming from his chest cause my core to clench against my will. “I just want to show you something,” he adds. “If you hate it, I promise I’ll take you straight back to your room.”

I roll my eyes, sticking my tongue out at him like a little kid.

“You’re what’s wrong with society, you know?” I huff. “Using your strength and power against women to get what you want,” I grit out. He chuckles, his hot breath massaging my ear.

“I’m glad you think this is funny,” I say through clenched teeth.

I wiggle in his arms, trying to adjust my tingling limbs. Even though I’m annoyed and a little scared, all five of my senses belong to Everett. The feeling of his warm body pressed against mine… the rough skin of his arms rubbing against my legs and back... the gravelly sounds of his voice as his lips brush against my ear… It’s all too much. I can’t seem to hear or feel anything but Everett.

“I’m not gonna lie,” he arches a brow, “I am quite amused at this little hissy fit you’re throwing right now. It’s pretty cute if you ask me.”

“You know what?” I narrow my eyes, giving him my best death glare. “MaybeI’llbe the one throwingyouoverboard tonight.”

“Mark my words,” he clicks his tongue. “You’re going to be thanking me in three… two…one.” The last word trickles from his lips like a whisper as he finally sets me on my feet.

His hand slowly skims up the sensitive skin of my thigh until he finds my waist. He snakes his arm around my middle, flattening his palm against my belly and pulling my back to his front. His breathing slows as he quietly stands behind me, letting me admire the most breathtaking view of my entire life.

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