“Scar, stop moving.”

“But, hehe. It tickles.”

I sat on the navy-blue velvet sofa in our suite, my legs crossed and body facing the hallway. Ethan sat behind me, attempting to apply the glamour to cover up my markings. I was just in my bathing suit – having taken off the cover-up skirt, seeing as we weren’t leaving just yet. Ethan was in black shorts – his chest bare.

If only I could hold still, we would be able to finish and head over to our positions.

I giggled at the slight tingling touch, squirming in my spot.

“Dammit Scar. Stay still. I’ll pin you if I have to.” Ethan threatened.

“Why does it tickle so much? It’s not my fault it’s making me laugh. Hehehe. Okay, hold on.” I continued to giggle. Ethan sighed.

His hand wrapped around my waist pulling me into an embrace.

“Hey, what are you—” I began, lifting my head to question his sudden movement when his lips met mine. I smiled, closing my eyes, returning the kiss.

We kissed for what seemed like minutes when he pulled away, both of us out of breath.

“Do I have to distract you before you’ll stay still?” He asked.

“I like distractions. Especially ones that include good kisses,” I replied. I pulled out of his embrace, changing position on the couch to face him. He lifted an eyebrow; confused as to what I was planning.

“Now, I can kiss you and you can work on my back.” I grinned.

“Really?”

“It’s multitasking,” I emphasized.

“Come here.” He whispered. I crawled to him; my hands hooked around his neck as I positioned myself on his lap – my legs wrapped around his waist.

We pressed our foreheads together.

“We have to be out soon.” He reminded me. My tongue ran along his bottom lip, tugging it gently with my teeth.

“Uh huh,” I replied, wanting to feel his lips on mine.

“You have to stay still then.”

“Yup.” I kissed the edge of his lip.

“You’re not listening, are you?”

“Nope. Now, stop talking and kiss me.” He didn’t delay – those smooth, enticing lips locked onto mine. I tightened my hold around his neck, pressing my body against him.

He groaned, deepening the kiss. I felt the warmth of his hand on my back – keeping his end of the bargain to multitask while is his other hand stayed securely around my waist.

His tongue brushed against my bottom lip – my lips parted in response. I moaned while his tongue intertwined with mine; the tingles on my back only made me more sensitive. The same feeling that once tickled my skin now sent a different feeling coursing through my body, one that had me throbbing in all the right places.

I didn’t know how much time had passed until we finally broke apart; our heavy breathing the only sound in the room.

“We need to go,” Ethan whispered.

“Are you done?” I asked. I unhooked my hands, allowing them to rest on his chest.

“Yes,” He replied. I stared into his eyes – the heat within them told me he didn’t want this to end with a simple kiss.

“Five minutes.”

He looked at the watch on the wall - 2:40 PM.

“We’re going to have to sprint out of here and not attract attention.” He articulated.

“You’re wasting time,” I replied. He took another second to study me. I licked my lips; my eyes landed on his lips followed by his bare chest.

When my eyes returned to his, I saw the change in them – a predatory look replaced his hesitation as his eyes roamed my body. I gulped; my stomach flipped with excitement for what I knew approached.

His movement was swift – pinning me to the couch. His lips crashed against mine in a desperate hunger; his hands still around my wrists.

“You’re a bad influence.” He mumbled against my lips, his soft tenderness ran along my neck, leaving a trail of kisses. His hand left one of my wrists, sliding down my body to my thigh.

 “You love that side of me,” I replied, followed by a moan. My back arched at the touch of his finger pressing against the lining of my bikini bottoms – sliding the material to the side to reveal my wet pussy. I shivered at the exposure; his fingers teased me as they trailed along my opening – gathering my wetness.

“You’re so wet, Scar,” Ethan whispered; his hot breath against my neck made me shiver.

“Ethan. We don’t have time.” I groaned in frustration. I wanted him so bad, and he was delaying.

“Fine, but I want a slow session with you later.”

“Okay.”

“And you’ll do exactly what I say.”

“Ethan, just fuck me!”

He chuckled; his fingers left me in desperate need. His fingers slipped under the fabric of the bottoms, forcing them down. I felt the head of his cock brush along my folds – gathering my wetness.

He slid right in – my body hummed to life; my legs locked around his torso as he began to rock back and forth – his cock thrust in and out in a rapid movement.

My moans were muffled by Ethan’s mouth as we kissed; our tongues explored each other as we continued our quick pace. I let my head fall back onto the couch; Ethan’s hands gripped my waist as he began pounding into me.

“You better cum in one minute or less baby,” He warned. His breathy pants followed by a moan turned me on, my body at its limit.

“Then cum with me,” I replied. My body trembled; Ethan gave one final thrust that sent me over the edge – a loud moan escaped the both of us as we came together.

Ethan fell forward, giving me one final kiss before he nestled his head against my shoulder – panting wildly. My pussy pulsed around him as my body continued to tremble from the aftershocks.

We laid there for a full minute before Ethan pulled out.

“And we’re late.” He breathed, still catching his breath.

“Can we get there in ten?”

“We could. C’mon let’s clean ourselves up and dash there.” Ethan helped me up.

“If Jaxson catches us, we’re so screwed.” I giggled at his wide eyes.

“He won’t find out, now move that sexy ass of yours and power shower.”

“Are you joining?” I stopped at the doorway of the washroom, eyeing him. He blinked before sighing.

“Stay still for one sec so I can remember exactly how you look.”

“Why?”

“Your disguise isn’t waterproof.”

“It is.”

“What?” Ethan questioned.

“Michael let me use waterproof everything and put a spell to make it stay. I can jump into the fucking ocean and still look flawless. And my wig has a bunch of pins. I should look the same...well maybe just my wet hair.” I explained.

“Get in the shower, and I’ll fix the hair.” He winked. Oh right, fairies can use wind magic.

I quickly stripped, smiling at a very naked Ethan.

“Four minutes.”

“We can do everything in three.” I pulled him into the washroom, closing the door behind him.

“There’s no way we’re going to find this guy with this amount of people,” Ethan complained into the speaker.

“The male should have a marking running along his neck to his chest,” Jaxson answered.

“Well, it’s been thirty minutes, and I’ve already seen seven men with tattoos and sensed nothing from them. None of them were shifters, let alone looked like a drug mastermind.”

“You can’t just judge a book by its cover. Half these celebrities could be drug masterminds and you’d never know thanks to their fancy jewels and rich attire. We’re looking for a needle in a haystack.” I complained, relaxing against the railing by the walkway of the boat as I continued to watch the higher-class guests check into the security clearance before walking onto the boat, being ushered by the staff to their designated suites.

“There’s nothing else that could give us a lead?” Junho questioned.

I continued looking through the crowd; something bumped into me.

“Oh, sorry gorgeous. Didn’t see your hot ass there.”

I sighed, rolling my eyes as I stood straight, turning to face an older looking gentleman. He was a plump man who looked to be in his fifties, with short, messy blond hair and dark green eyes. I noticed a tattoo on his neck, running along into his buttoned Hawaiian shirt. My eyes trailed down to the lower half of him in his blue shorts and brown sandals.

I blinked. For the love of all Starlight, don’t tell me this guy is it.

“So much for judging a book by its cover.” Aurora commented.

“You’d think if he’s a drug lord he’d at least be somewhat good-looking.” Serenity mumbled.

I sighed, crossing my arms.

“Don’t know how you missed me since I’m the only person on this side, but don’t worry about it,” I commented. My eyes caught Junho’s glare – his eyes flickered back and forth from his normal turquoise color to purple. I better handle this before we make a scene.

“I do apologize. Maybe we can head over to the bar, and I can treat you to a drink or two.”

I tried not to cringe at his attempt to swoon me over. I need to get out of this situation but how?

I noticed a familiar blonde a few feet away; Cece’s eyes locked onto mine. She was speed walking towards us when she froze, looking confused.

“There you are!”

I turned to the high pitch voice; my eyes locked onto the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. My jaw dropped as my eyes widened; unable to stop them from their slow descent down the six-foot woman before me.

She had long, curly hair that was a beautiful maroon color, falling elegantly against her pale white skin. She wore a bikini – the yellow two-piece clung to her curves, holding her large breasts in place. I noticed her chest tattoo of a dragon; the large dragon head centered right above those perky boobs.

Her wrists had multiple, jeweled bracelets; the same jewels decorated her beige sandals. I returned back to her face – dark red eyes seemed to twinkle in the sunlight as she smiled at me.

She hooked her arm around mine, pulling me close as if had been buddies for years.

“I’ve walked around this boat three times to look for you! What are you doing here? I checked in ages ago.” She questioned, frowning.

My heart seemed to skip a beat; the simple thought of disappointing her made me worried.

“Ah. Sorry. I got here early and waited for you to arrive, but I had to use the restroom and got lost. I got back here as soon as I could but didn’t see you. I’ve been here since.” I revealed, praying she’d go along with it.

“I’m glad I found you. Let’s go. Sorry Sir, my girlfriend and I are off to have some fun.” She winked at the stunned man; her hand slipped into mine as she pulled me away.

“Scar? Who the fuck is that?” Ethan snarled through the speaker. I ignored him, still trying to figure out what just happened. Who’s this woman?

We walked into the nearest washroom; the woman locked the door.

“That sleazebag should leave after a few minutes.” She announced, turning to face me.

“Um. Thank you? Who...how did you know I needed saving?” I questioned.

“Anyone can tell when a girl’s in a pinch. It just comes down to who’s willing to step in or those who standing back like cowards. He had eyes on you for fifteen minutes straight. Men like that will make sure to get between your legs whether you like it or not. Trust me.” She explained, leaning against the door.

“Ah. Thanks a lot...I don’t think my boyfriend would be impressed.”

“Boyfriend?” She tilted her face, frowning yet again. I became flustered; the same feeling tugged at my heart.

“Ah…yes. Long distance, you see. He’s a businessman and travels a lot. I’m a writer. You know what a life like that can entail.” I giggled nervously.

“A lot of sitting, that’s what I picture. Don’t you get writer’s block?”

“Sometimes. I’m actually writing my ninth book, but I’m stumped. My boyfriend came back and wanted to treat me to this cruise. There’s no way I’d back down on a chance to be on a boat with all these famous individuals.”

“I feel you. I should introduce myself! Akane Fukimi. My father owns a pharmaceutical company. He was supposed to attend this cruise, but his plans changed. He let me take his place.” She greeted, bowing her head.

“Irina Locksworth. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I raised my hand to shake hers. She smiled, shaking it firmly. I was ready to pull back my hand when she turned it, pulling it to her lips. I blushed, shivering at the touch of her cool lips against the back of my hand.

“Pleasure is all mine.” She whispered. I felt the burn in my eyes, blinking multiple times to clear them. Her image blurred for a moment before returning to normal. What the fuck? I don’t see a difference.

I felt weak, wobbling in place. Akane moved forward, gripping my shoulders to stabilize me.

“Irina? Are you okay?”

I blinked, trying to rid the fuzziness that took over my head.

“Scar? Scarlet, what’s going on in there?” I heard Christian ask.

“Uh. Ya, sorry. I’m anemic! Especially in this hot weather. You know us females, always got that low iron. I really should take those pills the doctor prescribed.” I laughed it off.

“Scarlet. You alright?” Serenity asked, her voice filled with worry.

“That was strange. And you’re not anemic.” Aurora mumbled. I know, but I don’t get what just happened. Sure, I faint a lot, but I didn’t get a vision. I think I better start wearing my gloves just in case? We’ll tell the others later.

“The liquid tasted disgusting and the pills...they just make your shit nastier than it is.” She shook her head. We both laughed.

“Thanks a lot, Akane. I should get going before my boyfriend goes all ape shit over my disappearance.”

“Anytime! I hope we get to see each other on the ship. Want to exchange numbers?”

“Sure,” I replied, excited to get to see her again. I pulled out my phone; both of us exchanged numbers before we left the sparkling clean washroom.

We made our way to my spot.

“Hey, Akane. Is that your natural eye color? Oh...is that too intrusive.” I pondered. I wasn’t used to talking with females, Cece and Makoto being my main female friends.

“Not intrusive at all...as much as I’d like to share, I think your boyfriend’s mad.”

“What?”

I looked up to see Christian and Cece in what seemed to be a heated conversation, both their eyes landed on me.

Christian had his hands in his pockets – his amethyst colored eyes looked darker than normal. Cece had her arms crossed; her silver bikini glistened through the transparent black cover-up. Her usual blonde curls were straightened and tied into a bun. Her blue-green eyes were closer to silver – like a brewing storm.

“You’re right. You should go.” I cautioned.

“It’s okay. C’mon.” She urged; her hand hooked around mine, tugging me forward. This doesn’t look like it’s gonna go well.

“Irina. There you are.” Christian greeted; his voice stern as his eyes locked onto Akane.

“Alexander. This is Akane. She helped me out when I was in a pinch.” I confessed, feeling nervous. Why do I feel like this is a parent gathering, and I’m presenting my girlfriend?

“You, Alexander, should make sure your hot girlfriend over here isn’t alone too long on a big ship like this. Someone can easily snatch her off her feet.” Akane exclaimed. I looked at her intense gaze as she narrowed her eyes at Cece.

“And, you are?” She aimed the question at Cece.

“Roxanne. I’m an acquaintance of Alexander’s. I assisted with a recent business project of his in New York.” She replied, not smiling.

“Ah. Well, nice to meet you too. I’d best be off. My father’s guard will get nervous if I don’t return soon. Irina, let’s chill later, okay?” She squeezed my hand with hers, looking into my eyes.

“Totally. I’ll see you around.” I said; my voice sounded a pinch higher than normal.

She gave me a quick hug; her rich rose scent hit my nose causing me to inhale. Damn, she smells good.

She pulled away, winking before walking away, not bothering to say goodbye to Christian or Cece.

“Irina. Why don’t we head back inside?” Christian offered, his face still stern. I looked at his outstretched hand but ignored it.

“Sure,” I replied, turning around and heading for our suite. I had noticed the confusion on his face, but it was as if it didn’t matter to me at the moment.

“Why are you angry?” Aurora questioned. I’m not angry.

“Totally are. You’re upset. Why?” Serenity questioned.

I walked into the open door; the gateman nodded at me as I made my way down the hall. I’m not angry. Am I? I don’t know. I’m just in character. That was just weird.

I sighed.

“Scarlet. Are you going to tell us what happened, or should I come see you myself?” Jaxson questioned. I heard the worry in his voice, which was a lot more tender than Christian’s previous sternness.

“Um. Can you come, please? I don’t feel so hot right now.” I confessed.

“I’ll be there in a minute.” He replied. I swallowed the lump in my throat, sighing. I leaned against the wall near a suite.

Akane...and that disgusting man too. We need to look into them. Akane looks legit though...she doesn’t have a tattoo on her neck either. She’s hot, from a successful background. I still need to find out about her eyes...

I closed my eyes, needing a moment in my thoughts. I didn’t realize I was falling forward till a pair of arms caught me; I opened them, looking up to see Jaxson’s amber ones – concern etched in those copper-like irises.

“Scar...you’re pale as fuck.”

“Am I? Maybe I stayed in the sun too long.”

Jaxson helped me into our suite, closing the door before lifting me up and into the living room.

“Ethan turn off mine and Scar’s speakers. Continue with the investigation. Look into the woman Scar just met and keep tabs on the sleazebag with the tattoo on his neck. That could be our man. The rest of you keep an eye out for another hour. Meet back at base.” Jaxson ordered.

“Got it.” They replied.

He carried me into the room he shared with Michael, laying me down on the soft, black sheets.

“I’m fine.” I tried to reassure him, rubbing my eyes.

“You’re not fine...and take those contacts out. You’re irritating your eyes.” Jaxson went to the washroom, returning with the case and a glass of water.

I sat up; quickly took them out and sighed in relief as the stinging lessened. Maybe the contacts stopped me from seeing what she was?

I took a big gulp of the water, not realizing how thirsty I was. I finished it within seconds.

“Maybe it was the heat. Does this happen a lot?” Jaxson asked, sitting on the edge of the bed; his hand rested on my leg.

“Not really. I’ve fainted before but that was due to my visions, not the heat. It is pretty hot, and I was directly under the sun the whole time. Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you and the others.” I apologized.

“We were worried when you went to the washroom with that woman.”

“Akane? Oh, she saved me from that sleazebag who was clearly trying to hit on me. According to her, he had his eyes on me, following me around fifteen minutes prior to him bumping into me. Akane saw I needed help and stepped in. We only went to the washroom to hide. Nothing happened. We introduced ourselves and I felt a bit dizzy. Akane helped me out and asked if I was alright. I just played it off. You heard the conversation.” I explained. He nodded.

“I’ll get Ethan to look into her. She doesn’t fit the description but just to be safe, we’ll do a background check to see if her backstory is valid. But first, you need some rest.” Jaxson concluded.

“I don’t want to be stuck here in bed when I could be assisting with this case,” I argued.

“Scar, we need you at one hundred percent. You know how wild your magic becomes the weaker you get. I don’t want you to accidentally short-circuit the engine or set the boat on fire.” Jaxson replied.

“Fine,” I mumbled. Jaxson sighed, taking the empty glass from me.

“Move over.” He whispered. I sighed, shuffling over. He slipped his phone out of his pocket, placing it on the nightstand to my left before climbing into bed, pulling me into a side embrace.

“Listen Scarlet. I know how capable you are. You may think you’re bringing us down, but you’re not. We all care about you and need you to be in top shape. Plus, you’re a magnet for trouble.”

“The first half was perfect. And I’m not a magnet for trouble!” I glared at him. He smirked.

“You’re totally a magnet. As a matter of fact, I bet we can just place you anywhere on this ship and our suspect would just be drawn to you like a moth to a flame.” He joked.

“That’s such bullshit.”

“Wanna bet?”

“Sure! If I win you have to kiss Michael when the clock strikes twelve.” I giggled at his shocked expression; his cheeks burned red.

“What’s with everyone wanting to see us kiss?” He grumbled.

“It’s hot,” I replied, resting my head on his shoulder, snuggling closer.

“For you.” He replied.

“Well, yeah.” I closed my eyes.

“And if I’m right?”

“You kiss me....and Michael after,” I mumbled.

“I don’t see how either option is fair.”

“You get to kiss me, and I get to watch you kiss Michael. It’s a win-win.” I relaxed; my mind began to drift.

“Not fair. Aren’t I supposed to decide?” I heard him reply. I totally wasn’t a magnet for trouble, so I’d win this bet for sure. But, it was always safe to make sure if I lost, I wouldn’t lose such an opportunity. I wonder if I can get Christian and Ethan to kiss hmmm.

“Longshot.” Serenity yawned.

“Christian would ascend to the heavens if a male kissed him,” Aurora mumbled. I smirked at their commentary.

“Scar?”

I wanted to reply, but I was too tired. I’m just exhausted because of the heat. Just need some time out of the sun and I’ll be fine.

I felt something press against my forehead.

“Rest up baby. I love you.” I heard Jaxson whisper in my ear.

With those last words, I fell asleep.