Page 18 of Terminal Voyage

"Impressive.”

"It was a good exit," he said.

"Now we're going to take that $1.2 billion and turn it into $2.4 in no time," Declan said with confidence.

"Right on, brother,” Sebastian said as they clasped hands.

"Where's Vanessa?" I asked.

With an annoyed sigh, Declan said, "Vanessa isseasick," he said in air quotes. "Unfortunately, she won't be joining us for the rest of the evening.”

"Does she get seasick often?"

"Not usually this early, but she was really excited to see you, and I think she got a little carried away."

"It was very kind of you both to invite me.”

"It's our pleasure. Any friend of Vanessa's is a friend of mine. I look forward to getting to know you better."

I smiled.

A staff member announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re ready to eat, dinner will be served shortly.”

"Is there assigned seating, or can we sit anywhere?” I asked.

Declan looked over the group, planning an impromptu seating arrangement. "How about you sit next to me?"

"Sounds like a plan.”

Declan stood at the head of the table making arrangements. I took a seat to his right. Hannah sat to his left, and Sebastian next to her. Luciano sat next to me, and Sophia sat next to Sebastian. There were several empty seats at the table.

"Will anyone else be joining us?" I asked.

“This is the gang.”

After everyone had settled into their seats, Declan stood at the head of the table and lifted his glass to toast. "I'm so grateful you all could be here with Vanessa and me. It means the world to us. We've all been so blessed, and we are happy to share those blessings with you. To good friends, good times, and good fortune."

"Hear, hear," the group replied with enthusiasm.

We clinked glasses and sipped our beverages.

The waitstaff came by and took our orders. To start, you had the option of seared scallops over a sweetcorn purée or burrata with heirloom tomatoes. I went with the scallops. For the main entrée, you had the choice of a miso-glazed Chilean sea bass or linguine with lobster and clams. I went with the linguine with the white wine reduction.

Oh my God! Mouthgasm.

It was SO good.

If this was the kind of food we were going to get every day on this ship, I was going to gain a thousand pounds.

It might be worth it.

Luciano told me all about his shipping empire and his pending business deal with Declan. Between his vessels and Declan’s capital investments in multiple ports, they were plotting to dominate the industry. It seemed like both of them already had enough, but why not get a few billion more?

Luciano's hand repeatedly found its way to my thigh during dinner. I would politely remove it every time and continue smiling as if nothing happened. I figured this was standard operating procedure for him. Sophia had grown numb to it, most likely, and was on to her own pursuits. She flirted with Sebastian the entire evening, batting her eyelashes, placing a hand on his shoulder from time to time, laughing at his jokes like they were the funniest things she'd ever heard. I don't think Sebastian minded the attention. Sophia was a good-looking woman.

It made Hannah uncomfortable.

Poor thing seemed so quiet and meek. But those are the ones you have to watch out for. If Sebastian wasn't careful, he might wake up in the middle of the night with something cut off.