𝑀𝒶𝓃 𝑜𝒻 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝒶 | 𝟏𝟖+

8.

Mature Content Warning

Kairos Vasileiou

It was day five and I needed to lock in. I sent a
message to Naida telling her to stay away from Elle today, doubt she would listen.

It was six am and I was searching through the computer base to find out when Elle was scheduled. Something for Elias or Ivy to do but neither of them was awake. Yes, I called repeatedly.

She booked it for 8 am. Earlier than when she normally wakes up, telling me made plans for later on. I'm gonna kill Naida.

My lips curled into a smirk; I had to admit, the thought of her being pampered was both amusing and slightly irritating. After a quick shower with a plan in mind, I slipped into my usual dark-fitted clothes.

The air was fresh and cool as I navigated through the corridors, the soft hum of the ship still echoing from the common areas. I followed the signs to the spa, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and a hint of possessiveness. I wanted to see her, to make sure she was enjoying herself without some random guy getting too familiar.

When I caught sight of her a few moments later, I couldn't help but admire how effortlessly she moved. Elle walked with graceful confidence, her shorts flowed along with an unbuttoned dress shirt.

I fell into step a few paces behind her, keeping my distance while ensuring I stayed within sight. The plan wasn't to follow her, I've stalked her long enough, but it seems like fate had another idea.

As we approached the spa, I hung back a little more, still being able to see her through the glass doors. The receptionist took her into the back immediately. Shit. I had to ignore the feeling that I could easily step in and pull her out if I wanted to.

With that thought lingering, I leaned against the railing, watching the waves crash against the hull of the ship. I needed to keep her close, that wasn't a choice for her to deny.

I had two more days to win her over completely.

—

The soothing scent of essential oils enveloped me as I crept through the lobby. I asked which room she went into. Third door to the left. Perks of being the owner.

The spa was a maze of tranquility, with soft lighting and gentle music. I spotted a doorway labeled "Massage Rooms," and my heart raced. With a quick decision, I slipped through, timing it just right as an attendant stepped out, distracted by a clipboard in hand.

I grabbed the worker by the collar and shoved him against the wall. His eyes widened in surprise, and I leaned in closer, my voice barely above a whisper but laced with authority. "Don't go back in there."

He gulped, his gaze darting between my eyes and the floor. I tightened my grip slightly, making sure he understood the weight of my words. "You got it?"

"Y-yes, sir," he stammered, clearly rattled. I released him, shoving him back a step as I stepped into the hallway, ensuring I was still out of view of Elle. I peeked through the crack in the door. She lay on one of the white massage tables in the center of the room, her bare skin glowing under the soft lights. A towel was draped loosely over her hips, the only thing concealing her otherwise naked body. Her shoulders and the elegant curve of her back were exposed, and vulnerable.

But as much as I wanted to respect her space, the thought of someone else being so close to her was enough to fuel my determination.

The space between us disappeared in a few strides. I moved to where I stood over her. My eyes trailed over Elle's relaxed form. Her skin, flushed and warm, seemed to invite his touch. I reached out, my hands hovering just above her shoulders, hesitating for the briefest of moments before I made contact.