Veronica adjusted her skirt for the hundredth time. She checked on the place mats and silverware, she checked the decor and the lighting, and of course, her files. This was not like her usual clients.

She considered herself the best in her industry, but right now she was sweating bricks. She had never been so disorganized. They had barely given her any notice, and now she was scrambling trying to get all the details squeezed in before the Prince arrived.

She heard the printer running in the other room, but there was not much time—she should look over his profile, see his photo, and his information—but, she was running late. Usually, she would have packets and photos, and secrets, ready to please any of her guests

She ran through the ship's halls, knowing every corner. She had been working on board for five years, she was the epitome of customer service, no one left the boat dissatisfied.The ship was almost tidy, and she could see all the crew working quickly to make sure it was ready. They would each have to report to her as soon as possible that their area was clean.

She practically ran into the bridge, her breathing ragged from running around wildly.

"Everything OK in here?"

Brian, the ship's captain turned to her with a raised brow, "Would you calm down—we have everything under control."

She could have simply buzzed him, but she had to check for herself. The captain and his officer seemed to have everything under control. Cody barely looked at her, returning to the dashboard to let Brian and Veronica talk.

"I just need to make sure—this came out of nowhere." she said to Brian.

He sighed and walked to her, his frown seemed to both understand and patronize her, "Sweetie, don't sweat it."

He grabbed the sides of her shoulders, his big hands wrapping around her sleeves, he was a tall and rugged man. But, still, Veronica felt a distance between them. Or, maybe she had kept her distance.

He gave her a peck on the cheek, "Honey, this is the last trip for you—don't worry about it so much, after this—you'll be at home for good."

She averted her eyes, "About that..." she still wanted to talk about it.

He groaned, "Not this again—look, Veronica, we talked about this a hundred times—once we're married you're going to be the perfect stay at home wife." He winked at her, but her stomach rolled with unease.

"But—we still have time before we—"

He raised a finger between them, "None of that—we already decided, only two weeks until the wedding and then it's bon voyage."

She grimaced, and looked into his eyes, they were a brilliant blue—like the ocean. But, she felt more like drowning than anything.

She sighed, giving in, she couldn't say no to the man who was going to change her life for the better—and protect her from her past.

Veronica nodded, and he gave her a quick peck on the forehead and she left—trying to get the last minute things together.

She ran to the front of the boat, entering the dining area. The dining room was small, about the size of a small house, and allowed for plenty of people—but this would be a private party. The room was close to the entrance of the boat, and she paced the room, as she did when she was nervous.

Suddenly, she heard the doors opening on the other side of the hallway, the doors that lead from the outside. She checked her watch, it wasn't time yet for them to arrive.

She walked towards it, hoping it wasn't more free loaders. She didn't need this right now, not all people who came aboard were free loaders, but there had been plenty of times when men and women would come aboard and asked for passage in exchange for work. Some were simply drifters, but others cost more than they could give. She groaned, pinching her nose. She pushed at her bun, making sure it was nicely and tightly packed into place.

But then, a man walked in.

As soon as he entered into the dining room – Veronica's eyes glazed over his body. He was tall and lean – with some tan skin and blond hair. It looked like he had been kissed by the sun. He ducked under the large door frame and into the dining room. And as he looked up, Veronica was met with a pair of shining green eyes. He was muscular and although he was nicely combed – he looked like he was a bit rugged.

Her first thoughts were to take in his whole body – eyeing him from head to toe.

Holy heaven— I would love to touch that.

Veronica shook her head, completely taken aback by her sudden change of thoughts. In an instant, she was flooded with thoughts of this stranger's lips, his green eyes looking into her as he mounted her, his muscles around her head as he plunged into her. She felt her face get hot.

She hadn't experienced an onslaught of emotions like that before—Get a grip, girl.

"Excuse me sir," she reached out to him, blocking the rest of his path, "I'm going to have to ask you to leave – this is a private boat."

He stared at her – his eyes taking in her body, all the way down to her toes and back up.

She tingled.

He opened his mouth for second – then closed it, as if rethinking what he was about to say.

A smile pulled at his lips.

"So, I can't just walk in then?" His eyes glittered – as if he was telling a private joke.

She shook her head, his gaze was intense. It focused all over her body.

"No sir – this is a private boat, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

She took another step towards him. He took a step back, but then he eyed a dining chair beside him. In an instant, he plopped down into it. He looked around – and whistled. He set his feet on the table.

"Make me," he grinned.

Veronica gasped – she had never so bluntly declined like that. But, she wasn't afraid to get physical.

He cocked an eyebrow, enjoying her hesitation.

"I think I'll just have a look around first," he stretched his arms behind his head.

She didn't have time for this – as sexy as he was, she needed to get him out ASAP.

She reached for him – a look of surprise came across his face.

She got him by the elbow and pulled him up easily.

His mouth made a small O, as if he was in shock – like no one had ever touched him like that before. She could feel his hard muscles flexing under her hand.

She led him by the elbow easily – he blinked as if he wasn't sure what to do.

This will show this freeloader.

"If you wanted a job – you definitely shot yourself in the foot," she stuck her nose up.

Just as they were about to go through the door – he shot out his arm, placing it on the door frame. He blocked her from going through.

He didn't seem threatening – instead, there was a smile on his lips.

Who the hell was this guy?

She took a step back and rolled her sleeves, eyeing him, "Look – we don't have to do this, but I'll use force." She reached for his arm to push him out.

His eyes widened in surprise, and he laughed. He had a deep laugh.

"What the hell do you think you're doing to the Prince?"

Veronica looked up to meet the dark eyes of a stoic and husky woman.

She held a tablet her hands – and her eyes darted between the man and Veronica, in surprise.

Realization dawned on Veronica.

She looked back to the man – and his smile got wider. He looked down at her, his green eyes flashing, "Did I forget to mention that?"

Veronica dropped her arms immediately, "Oh my –"

A dozen thoughts ran through her head – was she going to get fired, did she hurt the Prince, was she going to get thrown off of the boat?

She opened her mouth – but a stutter of apologies escaped. Her words made no sense in her flurry.

He laughed, and held up a hand, "You're fine miss –"

"Veronica," she blurted out.

Her stomach burned with embarrassment.

Suddenly, more people showed up behind him – a large and muscular man, followed by a dozen beautiful and striking women. They all looked between Veronica and the Prince – filling up the large doorway.

The Prince smiled at her, not even minding the group around them, "I'm Adrian."

Oh shit—of course it's Prince Adrian.

Veronica blushed – he must think she's a total idiot, "Your Majesty – I am so sorry – I thought you were someone else."

He smiled and looked down at her.

One of the woman from behind them asked what was going on. All the woman seemed to to chatter at once – asking what was going on and what was the hold up.

The stoic woman behind Adrian said, "Miss Veronica practically rough handled the Prince."

Veronica heard their laughter from behind him. She could hear their snickers and she felt the embarrassment rise in her cheeks.

"I cannot possibly apologize enough sir –" she must've been as red as a tomato.

The woman around them started to laugh uncontrollably now, taking in her pitiful looks.

The woman behind the prince said, "I am Megan – the Prince's personal assistant."

She handed Veronica stack of papers, "As you know – the Prince is here for special holiday and I sent you additional information about security and necessary things – please make sure you have your entire crew sign these NDA forms."

Veronica grabbed them numbly, she seemed to still have a job so far.

"And, who is the captain?" Megan asked – she looked through her tablet, she seemed to have been just as flustered as Veronica was.

Adrian didn't take his eyes off of Veronica – the glistened as they looked to her.

She was feeling weak in the knees – but she knew it was from the utter embarrassment.

His eyes reminded her of the coral reef – reflecting a deep green within the ocean.

"Brian," Veronica stuttered, "I mean – Captain Brian Wilkinson."

She gestured towards the door behind her, "I'll get him in a moment for your introductions."

Megan nodded, satisfied – then looking back to her tablet, "Please show us to our rooms – we want to stay on schedule."

A woman's voice came from their small crowd, "Not there were going to need them."

The group of women giggled. Adrian's eyes flashed behind him – but he continued to face Veronica.

Oh, so he's one of those guys.

Veronica could see it now, she'd seen it plenty of times. Groups like these went all sex crazy—based on the tiny bit of information she got, the Prince was looking for a match, but she didn't know the rest of his trip would be spent cleaning up sweaty puddles and condoms.

She wanted to roll her eyes, he was a typical empowered misogynistic man. Still, though, she couldn't help but feel nervous.

The whole group turned within the tight hallway and began to filter through the rest of the ship – Veronica and Adrian were the last ones in the room.

A silence fell between them – she suddenly felt very vulnerable.

"Again, your Majesty – I am so sorry, " she felt like a blithering idiot.

Adrian's green eyes flashed and they swept over her, "Don't worry, you can make it up to me later – Veronica."

He walked out but his eyes lingered at her for a moment before heading out the door.

She blushed, feeling the heat within her – the feeling was strange to her now. It was a feeling that she hadn't felt for a long time.