bChapter /bb65 /b

bEvening /bbes /baround faster than I bexpect/bb, /band to my absolute horror, Liam and I are forced to drag ourselves bto /bbthe /bdeck for some grand announcement from the soon–to–be–weds.

I feel like I’ve said this a million times, but the cruise is massive–so big that the thirty–something guests on board

feel like a drop in the ocean.

Either they’re too busy lounging in their luxury suites, avoiding Liam and me, or this ship is just that enormous, because after running into Stone, we don’t see a single familiar face.

Not that I’mining.

Liam’s hand is warm in mine as we make our way to the deck, his thumb tracing idle circles against my skin like he

doesn’t even realise he’s doing it.

I don’t know if it’s meant to beforting or if he just likes touching meb, /bbut either way, bit’s /bconvincing enough.

My heart shouldn’t be beating this fast from something so simple.

“Remind me again why we’re going to this thing?” I mumbleb, /bleaning into him slightly.

“Because we’re technically guests and stuffing your face in rice all night will only make them talk moreb./bb” /b

I groan. “Who cares what they say?”

His smirk is unfairly charming. “You do.”

I hate that he’s right.

Clicking my tongue, I switch topics. “Have you heard from Tessb?/b”

Liam’s lips twitch, amusement dancing in his eyes. “What? You two having a lover’s spat?”

“Something like that.”

He hums, like he already knows more than he’s letting on. “She sent over our schedule and a list of protocols. The

usual.”

I sigh. Of course she did. Tess is nothing if not terrifyingly efficient. She could probably organise a royal wedding in

under an hour and still have time to scold me for not answering her texts.

“What’s on the scheduleb?/b” I ask, mostly to distract myself from the way Liam’s fingers are still casuallyced with

mine.

He squeezes my hand, like he can read my mind. “Dinnerb, /bsocial media posts, and a whole lot bof /bpretending we’r thrilled to be here.” His voice dips into something lower, teasing. “And if you’re really well–behaved, I might even sn

you some dessert.”

b1 /b

I roll my eyes, but my lips curve into a smile anyway. “Lucky me.”

We finally make it to the deck, and for a second, I think we’re thest ones to arrive–until I nce around and realise

bChapter /bb65 /b

Zane band /bBa are nowhere to be seen.

Not that I’mining.

bLiam /band I find an open seat beneath one of the shaded umbres, a round table with four chairs tucked bunder /bit

bTwo /bwomen are already sitting there. They’re both stunning and effortlessly poised. They’re Ba’s guests.

Lacey and Céline.

Liam introduces us, apparently bLacey /band Céline are models, he and Lacey met during a photoshoot for a fashion campaign, and Céline is Lacey’s best friend and plus one.

I’m surprised by how beasy /bthey are to talk to.

Céline’s French ent is thick, melodic, so nice to listen to that sometimes bI /bforget I’m supposed to be listening. I have to ask her to repeat herself a few times, but she never seems bto /bmind.

Lacey’s sharp–witted, the kind of effortlessly cool that makes byou /bwant to be her best friend and steal her wardrobe ball /b

at onceb. /b

I exhale, tension I didn’t even realise I was holding finally slipping away. The first unfamiliar faces I’ve talked to today, and they’re actually… nice.

It shouldn’t feel like such a relief, but it does.

Lacey tilts her sunsses downb, /bstudying Liam with a smirk. “Never thought we’d be meeting again at byour /bgirlfriend’s ex’s wedding cruise.”

Liam shakes his head with a grin. “That makes two of bus/bb./b”

“I personally think it’s more unbelievable I’m getting to meet you. Lacey never told me you guys have met.” Céline shoots her best friend an usatory look.

bChapter /bbComments /b