Page 37 of Forgotten Deeds

“Yes,” Darius answers.

“The captain is ready for the safety briefing when you are.”

“Be up in a minute,” he calls, his intense gaze never leaving mine. “Do me a favor. Just for this trip, stop living inside that pretty little head of yours,” he says, splaying his big hand over my heart—at the moment, it feels dangerously close to exploding—“and live right here.”

He drops his hand and opens the door for me. I’m beyond flustered as we walk up the stairs to the main deck, where the captain goes over the safety procedures before we leave the harbor.

“Time for a shower and to brush those candy-coated teeth,” I tell Iris.

“No,” she bemoans.

“Real quick. You won’t miss anything,” I promise.

“Yes I will.”

“I’m going to go brush my teeth and shower,” Darius tells her. “If you miss anything, that means I will too,” he assures her.

“I’ll keep watch to make sure no fun is had up here,” Kat adds.

I practically have to drag Iris downstairs, but I get her brushed and scrubbed, and then it’s my turn.

Stepping out into the hall, we bump into Darius who looks unbelievably sexy in a linen shirt and shorts, his black curly hair wet from the shower.

“Race you upstairs,” he tells Iris, but lets her get there first.

“Beat you,” she says proudly.

Kat sets up a game of go fish with candy used for the wagers. “Good luck,” I tell Iris, kissing the top of her head. “I’m going to do some work.”

“I have a feeling we’re about to get hustled, cousin,” Kat comments.

Stepping inside the salon, I scout out a comfy spot on the couch and set up my computer. I’d like to knock out this essay so I can enjoy the rest of this dream trip.

Once my outline is completed, I begin researching my take on the Persephone myth. Darius was right about Persephone. She was actually a strong queen—challenging Hades by interceding on behalf of humans who were unfortunate enough to step foot in the Underworld uninvited. Her presence there also softened the notion of the feared Hades, and more importantly for the mythology, the fear of death.

“Mrs. Angelos, can I get you something?” A crewman around my age asks. It takes me a moment to realize he’s addressing me. Mrs. Angelos.

“A sparkling water would be great. Thanks.”

“Easy enough,” he says with a smile, but doesn’t leave right away. “What are you working on?”

“An essay that’s due soon,” I say politely, but really wishing he’d leave so I could get back to work.

He doesn’t get the hint. “So, you’re a uni student?”

“Yes.”

“Smart and beautiful,” he comments with another smile.

“Um, do you mind getting me that water? I’m pretty thirsty,” I say uncomfortably.

“Sure thing. Be right back.”

* * *

Darius

Glancing inside, I see a crewman hitting up my wife.

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