Page 78 of Rescuing Mia
The promise in his voice, laced with the steel of a vow, cuts through the fog of my terror.
Rigel, with his unwavering gaze and the steady beat of his heartbeneath my palm, offers a flicker of hope in the darkness, a lifeline to cling to in the midst of the storm.
“I won’t let that happen.” His voice is fierce, his body a solid wall of protection between me and the dangers that lurk beyond the cabin walls. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, Mia. I promise you that.”
I nod, tears streaming down my face, my body shaking with both fear and relief simultaneously. The knowledge I’m no longer alone and have someone to share my burden with is both terrifying and exhilarating.
Rigel pulls me closer, his arms a fortress around me, his heartbeat a steady rhythm against my ear. I cling to him, my fingers digging into the solid muscles of his back, anchoring myself to the strength and security he offers.
“We’ll figure this out. Together. One step at a time.”
I nod, my face buried in the crook of his neck, my tears soaking his skin. For the first time since I stumbled upon the truth of Red Phoenix’s intentions, I believe there may be a way out, a path forward that doesn’t end in tragedy and despair.
As the night deepens around us, and the gentle rocking of the ship a reminder of the vast, unknowable ocean that surrounds us, I sink into the comfort of Rigel’s arms and draw strength from the unwavering love and support he offers.
Chapter Thirty
RIGEL
The warmthof Mia’s body presses against mine. Her confession, the weight of her secrets, and the depth of our connection—it all feels like a dream, but the reality of her presence reassures me that it’s all beautifully real.
Over the next day, we explore each other’s bodies and souls, the passion between us a fire that refuses to be tamed. I lose myself in the softness of her skin, the taste of her lips, the way she moves beneath me. Every touch, every whispered word of affection, is a promise, a vow to stand by her side, no matter what the future may hold.
As the ship sails on, I marvel at the unexpected turn my life has taken. Just days ago, I was a man adrift, searching for purpose and direction. Now, with Mia in my arms and the weight of her trust in my hands, I’ve found something precious—a love with the power to change my life forever.
As the days blur together in a haze of sunshine, laughter, and stolen moments of intimacy, I’m grateful for the twist of fate that brought Mia into my life. She’s a gift, a treasure beyond measure, and I silently vow to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, to help her expose the truth and find the justice she so desperately seeks.
Tonight, the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking array of oranges, pinks, and purples. The gentle breeze carries the salty scent of the ocean, and the sound of the waves lapping against the hull creates a soothing rhythm. On the deck of theSerenity, passengers mingle and laugh, their voices blending with the soft strains of music emanating from the ship’s speakers.
Amidst the casual atmosphere, Mia and I stand at the railing, our bodies close, our attention focused solely on each other. The fading light casts a warm glow on her face, accentuating her delicate features and the depth of her dark eyes. I can’t help but be drawn to her, my heart swelling with affection and desire.
I reach out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, my fingertips grazing the soft skin of her cheek. Mia leans into my touch, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.
I pull her closer, my arms encircling her waist, the heat of her body seeping into mine. Her arms wind around my neck, her fingers toying with the short hairs at the nape.
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now.” She curls against me, hand on my chest, arm wrapped behind my back.
“Not even below deck? In my cabin?” Since that first night, we rarely leave our cabin. If it weren’t for once-in-a-lifetime dives, I’d keep Mia down below until the end.
“Now that you mention it…” She lifts on tiptoe, pulling me down for a kiss.
Our lips meet, and the contact ignites a spark of passion between us. The kiss deepens, our mouths moving in perfect synchronicity, our tongues dancing in a sensual exploration. I lose myself in the taste of her, the feel of her pressed against me, the way her body responds to my touch.
“I could stay here with you forever, just like this.” My voice is rough with emotion.
When we finally break apart, both of us slightly breathless, I rest my forehead against hers.
“Or, we can make the most of every moment.” Her soft gazemeets mine with an intensity that steals my breath. “Take me below.”
“You’re insatiable.”
The world around us fades away as we stand there, wrapped in each other’s arms. The other passengers, the ship, the vastness of the ocean—all of it becomes background noise, insignificant in comparison to the connection we share.
Just as I’m about to take her below, however, a commotion shatters the intimate bubble we’ve created. Shouts of alarm pierce the night air, followed by the sound of running footsteps and the clash of metal against metal.
Mia tenses in my arms, her eyes wide with fear.
“What’s happening?” she whispers, her voice trembling.