Ten Million Dollars Mission

c.28- The plan

"It is boring to stand like this"

L frowned. On the quiet side where people rarely passed by, Adelio and Risa enjoyed the view under dashing night sky. "How about some cocktail? I will go get them" L suggested. But Adelio did not allow her to step out of his sight. He turned; "I am coming with you then"

He seized her palm promptly. Hushing down the woman. If looked closely, there was fear hidden in Adelio's eyes. Fear of loss. He did not want to lose this woman on this crowded cruise ship. "No, Adelio" Calling by the name, L ceased the man. Catching him off guard.

"There will be a crowd near the mini bar since the ship has left the dock. What if something happens to you? I won't forgive myself if anything happens to you. Luke will kill me if he knows I dragged you into crowd. So, please stay here and wait for me. I will be back" She grinned.

The concern she held, the care she embraced for him, delighted Adelio entirely. He knew she cared about him more than everyone. What would his life be right now if she never appeared, he pondered quietly. "Fine. Just come back as quick as possible. I will be here"

Adelio gave in; stepping back.

L returned a nod. Just as she anticipated, there was a big crowd near the mini bar. Some chatted at their tables, some flirted with the assistance of alcohol, while some drowned themselves in food. Luke was one of them, diving in the sea of food to not waste a single chance there.

"Enjoying alone, aren't you?" L teased the man from the back. Giving a heart attack to Luke. "My! Goodness, Risa! You startled me!" Shouting beneath a scowl, Luke turned. The empty plates in front of him showed how much he had devoured. "Sorry, I just wanted to greet you"

A sheepish smile tugged on L's lips.

"It's okay. I don't mind. Where is Adelio?" Luke's eyes glanced around. Searching for his friend who was supposed to be near Risa. "He is at the back. There is no one around the area. I am here to grab some cocktail" L explained. "Ah, so, you are having a date with him in secret"

Smirking, Luke teased the woman. But L furrowed her brows. "Stop. If others hear such joke, we are doomed" She whispered. "Joke? Come on, Risa. Can't you see how much Adelio adores you?" Every opportunity was used up by Luke to push his two friends together. It made L grin.

"I am out. Enjoy yourself" Portraying the shy girl image, she headed to the mini bar.  Making Luke chuckle in amusement. Mini bar was quite crowded. There was a long queue and full tables. "When will it be my turn?" Sighing, L had to follow the rules. Joining the queue helplessly.

Although she promised Adelio to return quickly, the fate did not let them. Alone, L stood there in order to get the drinks. "Alone, Miss?" Like a creep, a man approached L from behind. His hands grabbed her waist. Stunning the woman. "Excuse me!" Thankfully, she turned in hurry.

Only to see an unfamiliar face.

"May I know who you are?" L put up her guard. Maintaining the distance between them by backing up. The man grinned. "Wouldn't it be better to get to know each other by spending the night together?" His wicked smirk caused L to furrow brows. What in the world?

"No" L declined; "You probably mistook me as someone else, Sir. Please excuse me" She had no choice but to bid farewell to the cocktail. "Wait" But the man seized her arm. Forcefully dragging her back. "You! Take your hand back!" Stunned by the rude behavior, L glared.

"Wow, how bold of you to talk back at me like that" His right brow arched. He clearly was finding it amusing. "If you don't take your hand back, I might have to put you in a difficult situation" L held her fist firmly. One swing and this man would definitely pass out at the spot.