Please Remember Me

Chapter 17

Their boat was gorgeous. It was just another way that their wealth was made obvious to my eyes. It wasn't a massive boat, although I had a feeling they could afford one if they really wanted too, but it was double decked and pristine. Along the back of the vessel "Οικογένεια πρώτα" was printed in golden cursive with a delicate black outline.

"Silas, what does that mean?" I questioned as the gentle giant helped me step onto the swaying boat with a steady hand. North was somewhere below deck; hidden from sight at the moment.

"Οικογένεια πρώτα. It means Family First." His words were smooth, so conflicting with his intimidating aura, and I loved it.

Something in my soul warmed at the translation; these men cared for each other in a way I could only wish my family would have for myself. I think probably only my sister felt anything close to what they shared. Silas drug me into his arms that enveloped my frame into a tight hug. I think I especially loved his embraces; they provided more peace than I had felt in years. North's heavy stomps and his built form emerging from a door that led below deck dragged my attention. Sila's still held onto me, his back to North's figure, and I was only too happy to remain in his safe arms. North paused to observe us; his onyx eyes looking more gentle than I had yet to see on the moody man. Silas released his hold on me and turned to face North.

"Everything ready? I have a feeling it's going to be a bitter drive out to our spot." His words made me happy that I wore multiple layers of clothing. The two men were equally as bundled up. We must have looked ridiculous going out to fish in this chilled weather; but no one else was around this area of the marina to observe us three. I wondered how often the two of them would come out here; it was sweet.

"Yeah; it's all good." North grunted as he moved over to the elevated drivers seat. As he settled into the chair, inserting keys that brought the boat to life, he ran his dark gaze over my form that was now slightly behind Silas.

"You should go sit below deck while we head out; it's heated down there and more comfortable. You wont get wet or frostbite." It was a demand more than a suggestion. I leveled him a challenging stare, hands on my hips.

"What if I want to stay up here for that part of the adventure though? I've never been on a boat..." North raised an eyebrow and my tone started off strong but wavered under his inspection. I heard Silas release a breath that was laced with amusement as he shifted to sit on the seat beside North.

"Come here, agápi. You can sit on my lap as we go. I will keep you warm and dry." My jaw nearly dropped at the straight forwardness that escaped Silas in a teasing tone.

Blushing, I found enough courage to march forwards, step up, and settle onto his lap. Turning so I faced slightly towards North, I raised my own challenging smile. North merely smirked, amusement and heat flitting through his gaze, before turning his attention towards navigating out of the marina. Within minutes, we were bursting across the ocean, land becoming smaller and smaller until it disappeared beyond the horizon. The early morning sun was out, not a cloud marring the sky, but the winter sun held little heat. The breeze smacked against my cheeks burning them and my short hair was rapidly flying around. I couldn't find it in myself to care about the temperature though; the ocean was majestic.

"Do any of the other guys ever come with you both?" I had to raise my voice to be heard over the boat's engine and waves.

I wasn't addressing anyone specifically, just letting my words hang in the air. I didn't miss the look that North shot towards Silas out of the corner of my eye. They were doing that silent communication that I had seen some of the others do. It was a skill I wanted to learn; it must take understanding each other on a deeper level to achieve.