Page 42 of Rescuing Mia
I bide my time, content to let the evening unfold, to savor the laughter, the stories, and the sense of connection that binds us all together. In the back of my mind, a spark of determination takes root, a quiet resolve to unravel the mystery that is Mia, to be the one she trusts with her truths.
For now, though, I simply enjoy her presence, the warmth of her smile, and the glint of humor in her eyes as she listens to the stories being told. When I catch her looking at me, she responds with a flush of embarrassment and lowers her gaze.
The attraction between us is electric, a current that runs deep and strong. Her smile, a little shy but filled with warmth, sends my heart racing, and I long to reach out and take her hand in mine, to feel the softness of her skin against my own.
As the evening progresses, I become increasingly entranced. My eye is drawn to the way the candlelight dances across her features, highlighting the gentle curve of her cheeks and the fullness of her lips. I marvel at how she listens intently to the others, her eyes alight with genuine interest and compassion, but she never shares anything about herself.
I catch myself staring, lost in the depths of her eyes, and quickly look away, not wanting to make her uncomfortable, but the pull between us is undeniable, a force that grows stronger with each passing moment.
As the dinner plates are cleared and the conversation lulls, the urge to spend time alone with Mia overwhelms me. I have to explore this connection and glance around the table, trying to find the right moment to suggest a walk under the stars, just the two of us.
Before I can make my move, Samantha leans in close, her hand resting on my arm, her intentions clear.
“Jessica and I were thinking of heading below decks. We’d love for you to join us,” she shamelessly purrs, her voice low andseductive.
Mia tenses beside me, her gaze fixed on Samantha’s hand. She watches Samantha’s fingers dance seductively along my skin. A flash of irritation surges through me, and I gently but firmly remove Samantha’s hand from my arm.
“I appreciate the offer.” Surprisingly, my voice remains calm, but it’s filled with resolve. “Unfortunately, I have other plans for the evening.”
“Oh, come on, Rigel. We could have so much fun together. Aren’t you the least bit curious?” Jessica pouts, her lower lip jutting out in a calculated display of disappointment. The flagrant invitation is over the top and grotesque.
I glance at Mia, hoping to gauge her reaction, but her expression is guarded, revealing nothing.
I turn back to Samantha and Jessica, my jaw set with determination.
“Again, thank you for the invitation, but I’m going to have to decline.”
There’s a beat of silence, the tension palpable as Samantha and Jessica exchange a look of irritation. But I hold my ground, my eyes locked on Mia, silently communicating my unwavering desire to be with her and only her.
“Suit yourself. But if you change your mind, you know where to find us.” Finally, Samantha shrugs, a forced smile plastered on her face.
With that, she and Jessica rise from the table, their movements filled with barely concealed frustration as they saunter away, hips swaying in a last-ditch attempt to catch my attention.
Pete watches the whole scene unfold, and once the women leave, he clears his throat. “I’m going to excuse myself now. The two of you have fun.” He winks at me and smiles with a gentle warmth at Mia.
With Pete’s departure, my focus lands squarely on Mia. Her gaze meets mine with relief. Our connection crackles with electricity, and I reach out to take her hand, ready to embark on our own private adventure.
“Sorry about that.” I glance back at Jessica and Samantha as they sidle up to the bar and approach another potential prospect.
“You did nothing wrong.”
“If I’d known they were going to be like that, I would’ve sat at a different table.”
Chapter Nineteen
MIA
Dinner wears on me.I wish I could say I wasn’t a petty person, but I take great thrill in watching Rigel put the bimbos in their place.
With Pete gone, the full weight of Rigel’s gaze settles on me. It’s as if he’s studying me, trying to unlock the secrets I keep hidden away.
Part of me wants him to succeed, to break through the walls I’ve built around myself, but another part knows better than to expose him to the danger that haunts me.
As dinner winds down and the passengers disperse, Rigel leans in close.
“I have something I want to show you.” His breath is warm against my ear, and his voice is low and intimate.
My heart skips a beat, my skin flushing with anticipation. I should say no, that getting involved with Rigel is a risk I can’t afford to take, but the pull between us is too strong, the desire too intense to ignore.