Page 47 of Rescuing Mia
He doesn’t press, which only makes the moment more bittersweet. His hand falls away, and the night suddenly feels colder and emptier.
The moment this cruise ends, I will slip away at the first chance, vanish from theSerenity, from Rigel, like a ghost—a star that shines brightly one moment and disappears the next.
But as I take a step back, his hand finds mine once more, a silent plea that’s both a hope and a farewell.
“Before you go…” There’s a suspicious glimmer in his eye.
“Yes?” I never want to leave him, but that is not in the cards for me.
“I was hoping you might indulge me.”
“Indulge you?” My brows scrunch, confused. “In what?”
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.” He glances toward the bow of the boat, those eyes twinkling with mischief.
I should say no.
I should walk away.
But I’m too intrigued, and I don’t want to leave.
Chapter Twenty
RIGEL
I’m notready to let Mia go, not even for one night. I never want this moment to end.
I turn to face her, my free hand reaching up to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. The gesture is intimate, a lover’s caress, and Mia’s eyes flutter closed at the touch. Her skin is soft beneath my fingertips, warm and inviting.
Intoxicating.
Her gaze locks onto mine with an intensity that steals my breath and brings a rush of warmth to my heart and further south.
My dick wakes, hungry and curious.
But it’s too soon.
We’re not there yet.
We’re close enough that her breath mingles with mine, becoming one in the space between us. The world shrinks to the size of our embrace, and in that small universe, it’s only Mia, me, and the endless sky.
“Dance with me.” My plea threads through the air, a blend of desire and tenderness.
“Dance?” Her voice is a melody in itself, a note of curiosity laced with an edge of excitement.
“Yes.” I draw her hands to my chest. “Dance with me.”
“Here?” she inquires, her gaze an ocean I’m eager to dive into, deep and fathomless.
“Under the stars.” It’s not just an invitation but a promise—a promise of discovery and sharing a moment that transcends the ordinary.
“There’s no music.” Her eyes are alight with interest, and her laughter is a soft chime that adds to the night’s charm.
“We don’t need music.” I guide her close, my arms encircling her slender waist, affirming the connection sparking between us. “We have the rhythm of the waves and the beating of our hearts.”
“You’re a romantic?” Her left brow wings up, but before I can respond, she folds into my arms. “Wasn’t expecting that.”
“What can I say? I’m full of surprises.”