Page 18 of Demon On Deck

It’s been the best 10 days of my life.

And tonight it all ends.

A tear slips down my cheek before I can rein in my emotions. You and me until the dock. That was the agreement. No strings, no expectations.

I’m in my room, glamming myself up for tonight’s farewell gala. I saved my best dress, well, the best dress Mel packed me, for last. Evren wanted to get ready together after spending the afternoon making me scream his name, climax after climax. But I wanted to surprise him on our last night together, so I sent him to his room with instructions to pick me up for the gala.

I swipe the tear away as my phone buzzes on the table.

Mel: Hey, Cruise Queen! Ready for the big gala?

Me: Just about

Mel: Give me details! I need to live through you, damn it!

Mel: And you better be ready to spill all the hot details of your hot demon sex life

Me:

Mel: I will PRY it out of you bitch

Me: LOL

Me: Do you want details, or are you going to continue making demands from the land

Mel:

Mel: Details

Me: Loose hair with a braid on each side to keep it out of my face—makeup…hold on

I take a quick selfie of my makeup with a wicked sharp wing liner and send it her way.

Me: Dress is going on in a sec

Mel: STUNNING

Mel: How are you doing with this being the last night?

My fingers hesitate over the letters. I’ve talked to Mel here and there since hooking up with Evren. I’ve tried to keep it light when talking about him, but my sister knows me. She can tell I really like him.

Me: I’m okay. Trying not to dwell and just enjoy the night

Me: Thank you. For everything. This cruise has been amazing

Mel: You’re welcome, sister. Have fun tonight. Love you

Me: I will. Love you too

With a long exhale, I stand and go into the bathroom to slip on my dress, letting the silky material caress my skin. It’s a shimming gold sleeveless dress with a plunging neckline, a cutout in front that reaches my navel, and a plunge in the back that skims just above my ass. The skirt is pleated with a slit that borders on scandalous.

I remember buying it on impulse, thinking how stunning it was, but never having the occasion or confidence to wear it. What possessed Mel to pack it, I have no idea, but I’m so happy she did.

I’m not ashamed of my curves or my plus-sized figure, but being with Evren has bolstered that confidence. He makes me feel sexy in a way that I never imagined. The way he touches me constantly, whether we’re in public or in a suite, how he growls at other males—monster or man—that stare at me, it’s not just sexy, it’s a fucking ego boost.

I’m just slipping on my shoes when there’s a knock at the door. I grab my purse and head to open the door.

“Hi,” I say as I open the door.