Veronica entered the bridge, taking in Brian's figure. He looked over the dashboard, checking all the buttons and ensuring the navigation was good to go.

He could practically cruise off the advanced technology, but still—he held a checklist in his hand, making double sure.

It reminded her of their life together so far—always checking boxes and check marks. He had practically done the same thing to her, making sure she had checked off his list for the ideal wife.

She went up to him—she felt shaken. She wasn't sure if it was from the message or meeting the Prince. Something about the Prince's gaze shook her to the core, or more appropriately, in between her legs. He was only helping her out on the dance floor.

That was all.

There was no else on the bridge and so Veronica took a moment to be the fiance she thought she should be.

She wrapped her arms around Brian from behind, he tensed immediately.

He turned to her, with wide eyes.

His expression changed as soon as he saw her, "Oh—it's you."

The words stung immediately. She felt the heat hit her face. Her mind raced over the countless times her friends aboard had told her of his flirtatious ways—the way some of the women in each harbor fawned over him. She knew it was true. And now, she had been humiliated in front of the prince.

Perhaps, even women in this boat. Veronica shook her head—trying to dislodge from those thoughts. She could make this work—besides, he was giving her more in return, a safe life.

"Hey—I was wondering if you want to have dinner later..." she hoped he would be up for a cuddle, or something. Her cheeks burned.

He took a side glance at her, "Why?"

He returned to his checklist, dislodging himself from her grip.

She felt abandoned, "Cuz—I thought we could watch a movie or something..." it sounded pathetic.

He had made his wishes clear—while Veronica was adamant that she would remain a virgin until marriage, then Brian didn't want to spend too much time alone.

Brian said it was "too tempting."

With a sigh, he set down his board, "Look babe—we've been over this—it's just too much..."

He took her hands into his, looking down at her.

She felt the guilt again—she was adamant. Out of all the stupid things that she'd done in life, she had swore to herself that she would remain a virgin until marriage. But, these days—it felt more like a chore—like she was risking their relationship.

After all, she had been firm with Duncan. And what happened?

The asshole took all her money, all her cards, and disappeared into thin air—leaving her in debt to a lot of bad people.

She shuddered. But, she was glad Brian came into the picture—he would help solve that as soon as they were married. Even if Brian didn't know just yet.

He gently patted her face, and then returned to his work. She bit her lip, wondering again, if she should cave. But, they were so close.

"Only two weeks babe," she tried to sound chipper, "and then, we're ready to go."

He didn't turn to look at her, but he nodded, "Sure, babe."

She backed out of the bridge, trying to not look more awkward.

But, she tried to reassure herself—she needed her wits about her, and Brian would protect her.

After all, their next step was important to her—she knew who awaited her there, unfortunately.

Mario— she shuddered.

He always had a way of knowing when she arrived at port—she wondered if he did that to all his "clients". Or, maybe she was just special.

She went back to her room, weaving through the maze of steel hallways and modern beach decor. She knew this place inside out.

Veronica slipped back into her room, and double checked the safe—all the money she needed was there. It was enough to pay Mario this time, but she hoped to God that the marriage would go off without a hitch—then, she would ask Brian for the rest. She was sure he would that.

She clutched the money to her chest—hoping this would be the last time she had to face Mario—but, still there were so many debts to pay. She would curse Duncan eternally for that.

She heard her phone chime, and she checked the screen to see it was Megan.

His Majesty calls for you.

The words looked strange to her, she was used to these kinds of messages. But, somewhere deep within her—she felt a strange mix of hesitation and obedience.

She rushed out of her room, towards the Prince's room.

She hoped that she wouldn't make a fool of herself too soon.

She found herself staring at a crazy group of women.

Seriously, aren't they supposed to be all prim and proper?

Veronica watched as the women before her had somehow changed so quickly, it would have made her head spin.

The women were clad in bikinis —they played and laughed in the ship's swimming pool, making it look like a girls gone wild party. They all played together—laughing as they tossed around balls and jokingly roughed around. But, Veronica could see it—their intense focus, their malicious looks, as if they wanted to others to drown.

Veronica was taken aback—is this what guys were into, or just the Prince?

Although, he didn't seem to notice.

He watched them as he leaned back into an armchair, his arms behind his head, smiling.

This guy is unbelievable.

She walked over, but her eyes could not help but rake over his body, he wore shorts and nothing else.

He had strong pecs and rock hard abs—he was hot.

His gaze found hers and in that moment, their eyes locked. She almost lost her footing as those green eyes peered into hers. She walked up to him, almost numb.

"You called me, sir?"

It was hard for Veronica to tell him Sir—but, she had done this thousands of times. Why was it so difficult with him?

His eyes twinkled, and he snapped his fingers and Megan showed up behind him, handing her a box.

Veronica took it numbly, "Do you want me to ship this sir?"

The women in the pool screeched with laughter as they tossed each other around—Adrien's eyes darted to them briefly and then back to Veronica.

She could practically roll her eyes, this was guy was insatiable.

He narrowed his eyes, "Open it."

She looked between him and Megan, but Megan's focus was off into the pool.

She gently undid the ribbon and then lifted the cover off the box.

She stared at her gift in surprise, "What is this for?"

His eyes were awaiting her next move, "You said you would do anything for me, right?"

Veronica picked up the little bikini—it looked like it had holes in it, and was studded with diamonds. From behind her, she heard the women laughing. Her cheeks burned.

Were they all making fun of her?

She gritted her teeth and shoved the bikini back into the box. She shoved the box into his hands.

He stood up straight, with a surprised in look on his face.

He cocked an eyebrow, "What—you don't want to go for a swim?"

She glared at him—how dare they! She was a working professional.

"That is not part of my job duties, sir," she hissed.

His eyes glinted, "What if I make it part of your job duty?"

She spat back, "No—thank you, sir—and besides, you have plenty of things to parade in front of you."

She turned on her heel, walking briskly toward the door. As she reached the door, a pang of worry hit her—was that too harsh, would that get her in trouble?

As she looked back, she saw that Adrian was whispering to Megan, with his focus completely on Veronica.

His eyes glistened with a smile only meant for her.