Page 38 of Rescuing Mia
I catch myself hoping, foolishly, that it might be me. Not for anything lasting—I’m not so deluded to think there could be anything beyond a single night’s escape from my reality.
But what a night it could be.
A night to drown out fear and forget about the danger haunting me. A night to lose myself in the strength of his arms, to forget, if only until dawn.
I tuck away the fantasy, a small, wistful smile playing on my lips. With a ship full of potential bed partners, it was foolish to believe he might be interested in me.
I prepare to retreat to my cabin, but something suddenly stirs the air.
Rigel’s gaze cuts through the crowd, locking onto mine with an intensity that feels like a physical touch. At that moment, we’re the only two people in the room, and the background noise fades to a distant hum.
Without hesitation, he’s on the move, his powerful stride purposeful as he navigates the sea of tables between us. The determination in his stride makes my heart race, anticipation building with each step he takes. The women near him, once hopeful, vanish from his sight, their presence dimmed by the focus of his attention.
Reaching me, he takes my hand, the touch electric and spellbinding. How can such attraction be conveyed in a simple gesture?
“You look amazing.” His eyes meet mine, and a spark of electricity passes between us. His gaze is intense, filled with the same heat and longing I felt on the deck earlier.
A flush creeps up my neck, my skin tingling under the weight of his stare.
He says something, his voice a low rumble that I barely register over the pounding of my heart. Then, with a gentle firmness that leaves no room for protest, he guides me back to the table he’s claimed for us, pulling out a chair as if it’s been reserved just for me all along.
“I was starting to think you’d changed your mind about joining us.” He places a hand on my back, his touch feeling natural, and guides me into my seat.
“And miss the chance to hear more of your terrible pickup lines? Never.”
“You wound me. And here I thought we were making progress.” He clutches his chest in mock offense, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
I roll my eyes but can’t help the laugh that escapes my lips. Something about his effortless charm and playful banter draws me in, despite my better judgment.
As I take my seat, he introduces me to the others at the table. “This is Pete, Jessica, and Samantha. They’re all experienced divers.”
Pete nods in greeting, his weathered face creasing into a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you…”
“Mia. My name’s Mia.” The moment I say my name, I regret it.
“When Rigel said you’d be joining our table for dinner,” Pete says, “I was thrilled to hear it. He says you’re traveling alone? Are you a diver as well?”
“Yes, I am, and no, I’m not a diver.” I shake my head, feeling a twinge of discomfort at the question. “I’m just here to…” I make a vague gesture, unable to express myself, “to see the world, I guess.”
Pete raises an eyebrow, his expression curious. “What made you choose this particular trip?”
My mind races to come up with a plausible explanation. The truth is too dangerous, too painful to share. “I… I just needed a change of scenery, I suppose. A chance to get away from it all. It was purely a random choice. A last-minute opening. I’m just playing things by ear.”
“I can relate to that.” Rigel reaches out and takes my hand in his. The action is so natural it feels nothing like holding a man’s hand for the first time. It feels as if we’ve done this our entire lives.
Something just—meshes between us.
“Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the present.” Rigel’s gaze softens with understanding.
Warmth spreads through me at his words, a sense of rightness I can’t quite explain. It’s as if he sees through my carefully crafted façade, straight to the heart of who I am.
As the conversation flows, I’m drawn deeper into the group’s dynamic. Jessica and Samantha regale us with tales of their past diving adventures, their eyes shining with excitement as they describe the wonders they’ve seen beneath the waves.
“Oh my gosh, you won’t believe the colors down there,” Jessica gushes, leaning across the table toward Rigel, shamelessly flashing her cleavage and showing off her bountiful boobs. “The fish, the coral, it’s like something out of a dream. We should all dive together. Sorry, Mia, you’ll miss out.”
What a bitch. I want to claw her eyes out.
It takes every ounce of my willpower not to look down at the flatness of my chest and the tiny A-cup breasts that will never get bigger and compare them to her double Ds.