Page 35 of Xander

“Caden,” I corrected. “We bought it together as a business venture.”

Her brows shot up in surprise. I didn’t blame her. Caden only cared about science and his life’s work, not business, monetary gains, or even ethics. I was surprised when he proposed this undertaking but agreed since I’d been searching for new opportunities to increase my investment portfolio.

“Why are we here?” she asked.

Instead of satisfying her curiosity, I grabbed her hand to lead her inside. She stopped to study the name carved in italics on the side of the boat—Olympus.

We crossed the ramp and stepped inside the yacht. Waves crashed against the side of the boat in rhythm with her heartbeat, which I could hear loud and clear even from here.

The boat’s staff glanced in our direction as we hopped on board. I’d already messaged them about our arrival. A section of the boat was to be blocked off for our use, and we were not to be disturbed. I didn’t want anything spooking Jordan.

“Hello, Mr. Maxwell.”

“Good evening, sir.”

I greeted them with a curt nod, but when I noticed a few of them do a double take at Jordan, I glared them down until they got the hint.

“Why’re we here?” she asked again.

“It was the only place my father wouldn’t think to look for you. I presume you don’t want to see him?”

Jordan took a careless step back, fear rising behind her eyes at the mention of Henry Maxwell. When she took off the jacket wrapped around her, my gaze landed on her arms marred with bruises from that asshole. My thumb grazed the mark on her cheek next.

“Has he done this before?” I asked, barely keeping a lid on the ire from earlier.

She shook her head.

“Then why⁠—”

“I told him that he had a tiny dick.”

A small noise of amusement slipped past my lips as I guided her to the common area.

Jordan marveled at the living room sprawling over the second deck. “My God, this place is like a mega yacht.”

I nodded. “It is. Caden and I are launching it for luxury travel to the Bahamas. There are fifty suites with the capacity of hosting eighty guests and up to twenty-five staff members.”

I told Caden I’d be taking the boat back to Canada, though he might not have agreed had he known the nefarious reasons behind it.

“Oh.” Her eyes tracked the oversized chandelier while I walked around the counter of the fully stocked bar and wrapped a block of ice in a clean dish towel. Reaching underneath the sink, I grabbed the first aid kit as well.

I led Jordan to the couch and fed her aspirin. She held the ice to her cheek as I applied ointment to her bruises. Although I was quiet while treating her arms and legs, my insides writhed with anger for letting him inflict this pain on her.

I should’ve killed Henry.

At least the bruises appeared superficial. A hot bath might do the trick. I reached for the hem of her dress to inspect the rest of her injuries.

“What are you doing?” She grabbed my wrist, alarmed.

“I need to check your bruises.”

She smoothed down her dress and shook her head in violent protest.

“I have to see if anything’s broken, baby,” I murmured gently, somehow managing to keep my voice level.

After a second failed attempt, I let it go.

“Fine. We’ll do that later. What do you need right now?” I asked instead.