Chapter 304 Midnight Walks
Ella
The night’s party was in full swing. Animated chatter, effervescent laughter, and the rhythmic beats of a tropical playlist harmonized with the yacht’s steady rock. The energy was intoxicating.
Amidst the glow of string lights, the centerpiece was the opulent, aqua pool. It glowed like an oasis amidst the vast expanse of the open sea, shimmering invitingly under the night sky.
The initial shock of the cool water sent tingles up my spine. Logan, ever the water enthusiast, took to it effortlessly, with strong, determined strokes.
Holding onto his shoulders, I felt the gentle pull of the water, laughing as he expertly navigated, taking me on a mini aquatic tour. The world seemed to blur, replaced by bubbles, muted laughter, and the serenity of being submerged.
Every so often, Logan would look back, checking on me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Encased in the cool embrace of the pool, it felt as if the complexities of the world had melted away, replaced by the simple joy of the moment.
After what felt like an eternity, Logan guided us towards the pool’s edge. His strong arm looped under my knees while the other encased my back, effortlessly lifting me out of the water. The ease of the motion, combined with the intensity of his gaze, left me momentarily breathless.
“To the bar?” He suggested, brushing a wet strand of hair behind my ear before I had the chance to stop him. I nodded, grateful for the distraction. “Lead the way.”
Perched atop chrome stools, we faced an array of glinting bottles and gleaming glasses. The bartender, a woman with an intricate tattoo of a dolphin on her forearm, presented us with a vibrant cocktail menu.
“I’ll have the Midnight Tide,” Logan decided.
“And for you, miss?” The bartender’s gaze settled on me. “The same,” I replied. There was something about sharing a drink with Logan that felt right.
As we sipped our drinks, the heady mix of alcohol and the thrill of the party wrapped around me, making me feel strangely elated. It was in this state of blissful distraction that I noticed her.
Marina.
Harry’s glamorous fiancee, with her auburn curls cascading down her back and a deep red dress that screamed attention. From the corner of my eye, I could feel her gaze, heavy and appraising. It was the kind of stare that wanted to convey a message, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to receive it.
Pretending not to notice, I played the part of the girlfriend and leaned into Logan, laughing at something he said, even though the weight of Marina’s gaze prickled at my skin. I hoped that by appearing engaged in our conversation, she’d turn her attention elsewhere. And she did.
As the night wore on, the crowd began to thin. The music’s tempo slowed, and the atmosphere shifted from party frenzy to a languid, relaxed vibe. Guests began to retreat to their cabins, the allure of comfortable beds too tempting after a night of revelry.
I shot Logan a hopeful glance. “Think you can take me home now?” Before he could respond, a familiar voice interrupted our conversation.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got a room ready for you.” Harry’s voice was smooth, but there was a hint of mischief behind it. “Besides, we’re a fair bit away from the shore now. Stay the night.”
I exchanged a glance with Logan. I had anticipated this, but I had hoped that it wouldn’t be necessary. And as the reality of our situation began to sink in, the yach’s gentle rock suddenly felt much more pronounced. “You… want us to stay here tonight?” I questioned, my voice laden with disbelief.
Harry simply smirked. “Come on,” he coaxed, a hint of something unreadable behind his voice. “The docks are far behind us. It’d be such a bore to turn back now. Look at this as… a spontaneous adventure.”
Logan, his face unreadable, interjected. “He’s right, Ella. It would be better if we spent the night.”
I glanced over at Logan with disdain, but softened almost immediately upon seeing the look in his eyes. He was almost pleading with me, and it reminded me of our discussion at the event earlier. Appearances.
“Right,” I said, nodding hesitantly. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt.”
Triumphantly, Harry smirked even wider. “There, it’s settled then. I’ll show you to your quarters.”
The term ‘quarters’ didn’t even begin to describe it. It seemed, despite Harry and Logan’s differences, that Logan was given one of the best guest rooms on the yacht; or perhaps they were all like this. The room was huge, with a full en suite bathroom, jacuzzi, and flatscreen TV. There was even a minibar off to the side, and fresh robes and towels laid out for us.
But right in its center sat the glaring problem: a singular bed.
“I’m sorry about this, Ella,” Logan began once we were alone, running a hand through his tousled hair. “He does believe that we’re a couple, after all.”
I peeked into my purse again, ensuring my gun was still nestled within. If we were going to be spending the night on this yacht, I wanted to be sure of my safety. “It’s okay, Logan,” I replied, trying to sound casual. “We’ll manage.”
He hesitated for a moment. “I’ll take the floor.
You should have the bed.”
His immediate offer warmed me a little. “Thank you,” I murmured, appreciating the gesture.
Amidst the uneasy silence, Logan began to fashion a makeshift bed for himself using a couple of throw cushions and a blanket. Watching him, I could feel the weight of the day pressing down on me. The mix of adrenaline, laughter, music, and now this unforeseen situation drained me.
“I… um, I need to freshen up,” I finally said, indicating the tiny bathroom adjoining the room.
“Of course.” Logan immediately busied himself with his impromptu bed, conspicuously avoiding my direction. Once I was finished in the luxurious shower, I wrapped a towel tightly around myself, feeling suddenly self-conscious as I stepped back out into the bedroom..
“Your turn,” I murmured, hoping he wouldn’t notice my flushed cheeks. But as I caught his gaze, I felt an unspoken understanding pass between us. He quickly looked away, giving me the space I needed.
“But I have a confession,” I said just as he passed. “I didn’t pack any overnight clothes.” It sounded feeble even to my ears.
“Right,” he said, clearing his throat. He looked around for a moment, then, with a soft sigh, he pulled his t-shirt-which he had been wearing under his tuxedo all night-off over his head and handed it to me. As he did, he revealed chiseled muscles that almost seemed to ripple in the dim lighting. “Here.”
I swallowed. “You’ve been wearing this all night,” I said as I tentatively took the shirt. A slight smirk grew on Logan’s lips. “Unless you plan on sleeping naked, then, I’d suggest just wearing it,” he said. “I promise I don’t smell.”
Without another word, Logan slipped into the bathroom and left me alone, holding his t-shirt in my hands. Logan was right; I had to wear it. But as I pulled it over my head, I was struck by his scent. It was woodsy, with an undertone of citrus. Somehow, wearing it felt both foreign and familiar, and it made Ema practically go nuts.
“His scent is so strong,” she said. “You know what could happen tonight…”
Instantly, I felt my cheeks flush with heat. “Enough,” I murmured out loud, turning abruptly away from the bathroom door. For a moment, I simply stood there, absorbing the atmosphere of the room. Finally, with a sigh, I climbed into bed.
The soft hum of the boat’s engine, the distant remnants of the party’s laughter filtering through from above, and the muffled splash of the waves created a soothing cacophony.
Yet, my eyes kept drifting to Logan, settled uncomfortably on the floor. I felt bad, and so did my wolf. My voice broke the silence, softer than I intended. “Look, we can share the bed. Just… keep to your side?”
Logan’s gaze snapped to mine, surprise evident across his face. “Are you sure?”
Nodding, I added, “Just no funny business, alright?”
His lips twitched into a half-smile. “Deal.”
I felt the bed move as he climbed into his side, but he was surprisingly careful to maintain a physical-and metaphorical-distance. As the boat rocked gently beneath us, the tension of the day, the unexpected turn of events, and the close proximity to Logan melded into a whirlpool of emotions..
An hour passed. Eventually, Logan’s breathing turned slow and regular as sleep took him. But my mind wouldn’t relax so easily.
Every time the boat tilted, I felt myself jump a little. The sounds from outside only amplified my restlessness. And while the fatigue of the day weighed heavily on my eyelids, sleep remained elusive.
Tossing and turning, the thoughts swirling inside made rest impossible. The unpredictability of the night, coupled with the ever-present uncertainty of my surroundings, made me anxious. And being this close to Logan was making both myself and my wolf too restless for sleep.
Finally, the confinement of the room became stifling. I needed air. And maybe, just maybe, a moment to clear the whirlwind of thoughts. I quietly swung my legs over the edge of the bed, ensuring I didn’t disturb Logan.
As I reached the door, my purse caught my eye. I paused a moment, chewing my lower lip, until I finally caved and plunged my hand inside to feel the cold metal of the gun.
I tucked the gun securely into the band of my underwear, the cold metal a stark contrast to the warmth of my skin. Beneath the oversized shirt that belonged to Logan, it was hidden but within easy reach.
Decision made, I slipped out of the room, ready. to embrace the tranquility of the vast ocean before me.
