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“Oh, you have no idea what you’re asking for,” he smirks. “They call me the male version of Adele. Prepare to be amazed.” He grins, stepping to the side while motioning his arm in the direction of the karaoke bar. “Ladies first.”
“Maybe I’ll get your autograph by the end of the night,” I say sarcastically, shrugging my shoulders and stepping to walk beside him.
God, he’s huge.I barely reach his shoulders. Walking beside him makes me realize how tall he actually is. His long legs slow as his heavy footsteps try to match the rhythm of mine.
“Ask, and you shall receive.” He looks down, flashing me a cocky wink.
I can’t help but think he’s flirting with me… crossing a fine line. I try to convince myself that we’re just both sarcastic people. That there’s no attraction between us. That we both haven't been stealing heated glances since the second this vacation started.
My eyes roam the expanse of the elegant hallway we’re strolling down. This cruise ship is absolutely breathtaking. Musicians are set up in front of an open window that’s shaped like a massive porthole. I can see the dark sea glittering in the moonlight behind the melodic strums of violins.
Cruisers are lounging around in luxury couches, talking amongst themselves while sipping expensive cocktails. My eyes lift to the ceiling, entranced by the gold tiles and opulent chandeliers casting a shimmering glow, setting a romantic tone for the evening.
“Damnnn, where areyouheaded?” A slurred voice pulls me from my thoughts. Not even a foot away, a stranger who looks like a total frat guy stops me in my tracks. Immediately, I smell the reek of alcohol on his breath.
His hazy eyes roam down the expanse of my floor-length, green, satin dress. I take a step towards Everett when the guy’s gaze travels down the thin straps resting on my shoulders. His eyes darken as they land on the deep V in the front of my dress, revealing a considerable amount of cleavage. I’ve noticed a few admirable looks this evening from strangers, but none of them made me feel like this. This feels uncomfortable… creepy. I suddenly wish I had a jacket to cover up with.
“Nowhere with you,” I respond, resting an arm over my chest while attempting to step around him. “Please, get out of my way.”
“I don’t see a ring on your finger,” he scoffs. “What happens on the cruise ship, stays on the cruise ship, am I right?” He chuckles, reaching his hand out toward my dark curls.
Before I even have a chance to flinch, Everett’s large hand wraps around the guy’s wrist. He stares up at Everett, who’s towering over him. He’s clearly so drunk that he doesn’t see Everett standing right next to me. His eyes widen in horror as Everett looks like he’s about to bring down the wrath of Hell upon this guy.
“You know what I see?” Everett asks, in a low, but lethal tone.
“W-w-what?” The guy stutters, shivers wracking through his shoulders.
Everett nods his head towards the expansive windows lining the hall.
“I see nothing but the ocean for miles and miles, deep enough for your drunk ass to sink for hours. I see a dark sky, black enough that no one would spot you if you were to ‘accidentally’ go overboard. By the time the sun comes up, your scrawny ass would be fish food.”
The guy whimpers,actually whimpersas Everett’s hand tightens around his wrist.
What the fuck is going on right now?
Where did the funny, easygoing, charismatic Everett go? This version of Everett seriously looks like he could murder someone.
“Everett, don’t you think you’re taking this a little too fa—”
He continues laying into the guy before I have a chance to finish my sentence.
“You donotwant fuck with me.” He warns through gritted teeth. “Now, next time a lady asks you to get out of her way, you fucking move. Got it?”
“Y-yes sir,” the guy frantically nods. I see the corner of Everett’s lip turn up in a smile like he’s trying not to laugh at this guy calling him sir. Like he knows that he scared the shit out of this guy.
Everett releases his wrist and nods his head in the opposite direction of where we’re headed.
“Go,” he commands. The guy shuffles back before scurrying off like a wounded animal.
Everett possessively places his hand on the small of my back, leading me forward like nothing happened. Like he didn't just threaten to toss that scrawny guy overboard. His warm palm feels as if he’s branding me, resting against the bare skin of my back.
“What the hell was that?” I ask, staring up at him in shock.
“Me teaching that fuckhead what no means.” He replies without second thought, like he didn’t even need a millisecond to think about his answer.
I should be thinking about how crazy it is that Everett basically just threatened to drown his ass, but instead, I’m oddly turned on by his savage need to protect me. I know he was just trying to scare the guy, but damn if it wasn't hot seeing him get all worked up. I’ve never had another man defend me like that.Never.It sends a thrill rushing through my bones.
“Oh uhm… thank you?” I really do appreciate what he did, but the squeal in my voice makes my reply sound more like a question.
