psychic crystal 03 - killer cruise

by Marilyn Baron

  The women left the gallery and took the elevator back up to Kate’s cabin. When they arrived, Jack and Will were still sleeping off the effects of the slipaway spell.

  Kate nudged Jack. “Jack, get up.”

  Juliette lifted Will’s head. “Okay, cowboy, time to get up.”

  Will stirred and came awake. “Juliette?”

  “Kate and I are hungry. How about taking us down to the dining room for dinner?”

  Jack got up from his chair.

  “I’m starving. Let’s go. I must be more tired than I thought. I think I fell asleep.”

  “Me too,” said Will. “What have you girls been up to? Working on your tans on the balcony?”

  Kate and Juliette looked at each other. Both women were dark-skinned, both had been labeled mysterious-looking, and neither tanned easily.

  “That’s exactly what we’ve been doing,” Juliette said.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The two couples arrived at the dining room and were seated by the window at a table for four. Most of the passengers had already eaten, and the dining room was almost empty.

  “What a lovely view,” said Juliette, looking at all the sparkly lights out the picture window as she opened her menu. The server poured each of them a glass of water and asked if they’d like anything else to drink. Will and Jack ordered beers, and the women decided on a sweet white wine—a Moscato d’Asti.

  “What looks good?” Jack asked.

  “Everything,” said Kate. “I think I’ll start with a bowl of the Bermuda fish chowder, since we’re going to be in port tomorrow. It will get me in the mood. Then I’ll have the Cornish game hen.”

  Juliette ordered the roast chicken. Will and Jack each ordered a twelve-ounce bone-in ribeye.

  “So, Jack, what’s next on our agenda?” Will asked, closing his menu.

  “After dinner, we’ll stop by and check on the conference. They’re having an unscheduled night meeting. But the captain has assured me that other than the usual verbal disagreements, everything is quiet on the banking front. We’re docking at the Heritage Wharf cruise ship terminal at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda first thing in the morning, and Kate and Juliette, you’ll need to be standing at the pier during disembarkation to make sure our thief doesn’t slip by. You said the man we’re looking for is tall and has a beard, but he may have shaved, and he may be wearing a disguise. After everyone has left the ship, we’re free to explore, and while we’re out, we’re to keep our eyes open. The crew will do another thorough search of the cabins.”

  “Juliette tells me you’re going to be our tour guides.” Will lifted an eyebrow at Jack.

  “Kate and I spent our honeymoon there, although we hardly left the room, so we’re looking forward to this second chance to see the island.”

  Will inched his chair closer to Juliette while he questioned Jack. “How will we get around in Bermuda?”

  “Well, there are buses, ferries, and taxis. But I thought it would be fun to rent motor scooters,” said Jack. “Tourists aren’t allowed to drive cars. Will, have you ever driven a cycle or a moped?”

  “I used to be a traffic cop, so, yes. And I ride all the time at home.”

  “Great, then it’s me and Kate and you and Juliette, on two-seaters.”

  Will squeezed Juliette’s hand. “Have you ever been on a scooter before, sweetheart?”

  “No,” she said, her eyes widening at Will’s new term of endearment. The reverend had never called her sweetheart. It felt good. She felt—loved.

  “Nothing to be afraid of. Just hold on tight to me, and when I turn, you lean into the turn. Of course, you’ll be wearing a helmet.”

  “Just be careful on the cycle,” Kate warned. “In Bermuda, remember, they drive on the left side of the road, the wrong side. And the roundabouts are killers. Everyone rents motor scooters, and they don’t always know how to drive them. Invariably, they spill their mopeds and end up in the hospital with road rash.”

  “The food in Bermuda is amazing,” Jack said, digging into his steak. “And I already have reservations at our favorite restaurant for tomorrow night, the Waterlot Inn at the Fairmont Hotel in Southampton. You can try Bermuda fish chowder, and fresh lobster if it’s in season. But the restaurant specializes in steaks and chops.”

  “Then when we’re in Hamilton, shopping, we thought we’d have lunch at the Lobster Pot,” Kate said. “They have these sinfully delicious hot apple fritters smothered in whipped cream, great for dessert. I can almost taste them now.”

  “It all sounds lovely,” said Juliette, wondering how she was going to resist Will when she was clinging to him for dear life on the back of a motor scooter. Will and whipped cream. She didn’t even want to go there, but her traitorous mind had other ideas.

  “And, of course, we’ll have full afternoon tea at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess in town,” Kate said. “I can’t believe we’re coming back to Bermuda so soon.”

  “It’s our favorite place,” said Jack, who glanced at Kate’s belly and then into her eyes. “We made some beautiful memories.”

  Kate blushed.

  “And don’t forget the soft pink sandy beaches,” Jack said. “And Will, Bermuda is a golfer’s paradise.”

  “It doesn’t sound like we’ll have enough time to do everything you want to do.”

  “Well, we’ll do as much as we can.”

  “Or nothing,” said Kate. “That’s the great thing about Bermuda. That, and the shopping.”

  “What kind of shopping?” Juliette asked.

  “Well, the list is endless. There are authentic Bermuda cedar wood gifts, soaps made with island fragrances, jewelry—especially the Bermuda longtails —and the moon gates, gold coins, sailboats, fine china, and crystal imported from Europe. Not to mention the quality linens and local gourmet products such as rum and sherry pepper sauce, and Gosling’s Black Seal® Rum, used to make the Dark’n’Stormy and Rum Swizzle cocktails. Front Street is a hub for shopping in big stores like A.S. Cooper & Sons Limited or in small boutiques.”

  “What’s a moon gate?” Juliette asked.

  “Moon gates are a traditional architectural element in Bermuda. They’re a symbol of the island, and you can find them all over. They’re stone arches typically found at garden entrances, usually free-standing or attached to a low wall. You can buy little replicas in the shops, just like you can buy Eiffel Tower replicas in Paris. They say that couples who kiss under a moon gate or make a wish as they step through the moon gate hand in hand are granted happiness and good fortune during their marriage and will have a long and happy life together.”

  “We’ll have to find a moon gate, Juliette, and walk through it to guarantee us a happy ending,” said Will.

  “Our marriage will be ending as soon as we debark,” said Juliette. “I don’t think even a moon gate will make a difference, in our case.” And the thought of that made her sad.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The ship’s photographer was snapping pictures of every passenger who left the ship, whether they wanted to pose or not. Just a second layer of security. Standing next to the photographer, Kate and Juliette tried to blend into the background.

  “My eyes are starting to bug out,” Juliette complained.

  The last single man walked off the ship, slathered in sunscreen, wearing over-sized sunglasses and sporting a sagging paunch, barely contained by a flowered button-down shirt, which fit loosely over khaki shorts. He walked up to Juliette and put his arm around her.

  “Pose with me, pretty lady?”

  Juliette sighed. To protect her cover, she had no choice. This was the umpteenth man to proposition her.

  Juliette frowned, and the tourist, who looked like he belonged in Disneyland or a botanical garden, smiled like he had just won the lottery.

  The photographer went to work.

  “Do you know you look like a gypsy?” Flowered Shirt Guy said.

  “I get that a lot,” Juliette said, the smile frozen like bad botox
on her face.

  The photographer signaled that she had the shot she needed. “You can find your picture in the lounge outside the dining room tonight when you reboard the ship.”

  “Why don’t you read my fortune, Gypsy Lady?” said the man, pulling at Juliette’s hand and placing his greasy one in her palm.

  Hanging on to his composure by a thread, Will stood like a sphinx in front of Flowered Shirt Guy but finally moved into action. “Move along now, buddy, and get your hands off my wife.”

  The passenger slipped away after measuring Will’s bulk and menacing looks.

  “Thanks for rescuing me.”

  “I seem to be doing that a lot. Do men always hit on you?”

  “Unfortunately, yes.”

  “Oh, that’s right, you’re irresistible to men.”

  “It’s a curse.”

  Jack bounded over to where Kate and Juliette were standing.

  “They’ve cut us loose. That’s the last of the passengers. Let’s explore Bermuda. I’ve got our cycles all lined up, over there.”

  Jack took Kate’s hand and Will grabbed Juliette’s.

  “You look like you could use a massage, honey.” Will placed his hands at the back of Juliette’s neck and started kneading.

  Juliette rounded on him. “And you look like the guy who wants to give me one. All I want is to get on that motor scooter and fly. Work out some of those kinks.”

  At the motorcycle livery, Will pulled up a red two-seater in front of the waiting Juliette.

  “I’ve got your ride, ma’am,” said Will. He fastened her helmet strap under Juliette’s chin before he put on his own helmet. “Just hop on and hold on tight.”

  Jack and Kate were already on their motor scooter ahead of them. Will had arranged to follow Jack into Hamilton.

  When the scooter engine revved up, Juliette startled and tightened her arms around Will’s stomach. She hoped he wasn’t some grandstander. She’d never been on a motorbike before. This trip was full of firsts. First cruise, first marriage, first fake marriage…

  Will looked back. “Now, remember, when I lean right, you lean right. When I lean left, you lean left. Don’t fight me.” He seemed to be talking about more than just riding the cycle. Juliette held on as Will pulled the scooter out into traffic. She locked her fingers together. It was like riding a roller coaster. She wanted to scream. She wanted to fly. She never wanted to get off. And then she couldn’t stop smiling.

  Will’s body felt solid against her chest. His abs were as strong as steel. Not an ounce of fat on his body. He probably worked out. He was in good shape for a small-town sheriff. For any man. After a few rough starts, she followed his lead and leaned in the direction he was taking the scooter. The warm wind blew against her face. She closed her eyes and then ventured a look at the beautiful houses whizzing by. Spots of aqua, yellow, green, white—an architectural rainbow flashed in front of her. The white roofs, the limestone walls, the gardens. Oh, the gardens! She took in the blue sky and the turquoise water and pressed her face into Will’s back, breathing in his scent. Will Bradley was getting harder and harder to resist and easier and easier to be around.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Juliette shuddered. Her thoughts drifted back to the last time she had seen Marika in Hungary. The shadow of the stone castle over them, saying goodbye to her mother, saying goodbye to the light, fearing the cold, long journey ahead. She hadn’t thought about the giant, evil, bearded man in all these years. He should be ancient by now, so this man on the ship must be his grandson. Or had she imagined the resemblance? Was it just a nightmare? Or a premonition?

  Will shook her awake. “Juliette, you were having a bad dream. It’s okay. You’re okay.” Will’s strong arms wound around her. She was cold in her flimsy nightgown, but Will’s arms were like a raging fire, warm and welcoming.

  Her nightgown slipped, revealing a tanned breast and a pink nipple. She started to cover up and caught Will staring hungrily at her. For the first time she let him look. Wanted him to look. Her nipples hardened. Something was happening. Will stirred emotions she hadn’t felt in a long time. Too long. He placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, but his eyes revealed that his thoughts were anything but chaste. Nor were hers.

  Next his lips were on hers, soft and gentle, and his tongue teased her mouth open.

  “Will,” she sighed, responding. His drugging kisses carried her away. He touched her breast and pressed his body to hers, and she felt him through the sheer gown. She was still sore from riding the motorcycle all day, but it had been exhilarating. She’d loved the feel of her arms around Will and the sun warming her face and the wind in her hair. Smiling at the memory, she relaxed and went limp.

  Leaving her lips, Will moved his mouth down her neck with fluttering kisses, took a breast in his hand and licked her nipple, and then took it into his mouth. His hand slid gently down her legs and up again until it reached her panties. She startled. His fingertips touched the outside of her panty line, then rubbed her panties until his hand crept inside and stroked her until she moaned. In response, Juliette moved against him. She was still sore at the core of her, but at his featherlight touch a gushy wetness flooded her panties, and she thrashed and bucked against his hand, wanting to scream out in satisfaction. When Will sensed she couldn’t stand it anymore, he pulled down his briefs, found her, and thrust inside again and again. He collapsed on her and their measured breaths rose and fell in sync. They stayed that way, frozen in their respective positions, afraid to move.

  What had just happened?

  Will was the first to speak.

  “You were pretty noisy,” Will teased, raising his head with some effort.

  “It’s been a long time,” Juliette joked.

  “You don’t see me complaining. I’ve been wanting to make love to you from the moment I met you. And you fought me every step of the way. What changed?”

  “You changed. I trust you. And, you make me laugh. I want to laugh again.”

  Will held her tightly. “You’ve had a rough life, sweetheart. I know that, and that evil man, the reverend character…”

  “Had me under his spell. I thought I was in love, but it wasn’t love. It was all about power and control. I was too young and naïve to know the difference. And I needed him—needed someone—at the time.”

  Juliette nestled into Will to ward off all thoughts of another evil presence. A presence she was convinced was still on this ship.

  She had a feeling he would make his move tomorrow in Bermuda. It was their last day on the island, and after that, he would follow through on his threats. He knew her as Ilona. No one else knew that name but the man in the castle, or perhaps the man’s grandson. She was anxious to know what had happened to her mother. Was she still alive? Was she happy? Was she still in Hungary? Did she know where her daughter was? Did she miss her?

  Juliette wondered if she should tell Will and Jack. They would think she was crazy if she told them an evil vampire-like presence had invaded her thoughts and stowed away on the ship. No, this was her battle to fight. She didn’t want to involve her daughter. Kate must be protected at all costs. Kate and her unborn child.

  “Must have been some dream, huh?” Will prodded. “Want to tell me about it?”

  Juliette shook her head and dismissed Will’s concerns, smoothing her hand across his naked chest. “I can barely remember it. It was nothing. Everything seems scarier in the darkness.”

  “Well, I’m here with you now, Juliette, my little gypsy, so no more bad dreams, no more bad days, only sunny days ahead,” Will assured. “Waking up here in bed with you, really with you, is a dream come true for me.”

  The light crept through the sheer curtains. But Juliette didn’t want the night to end. She didn’t want this time with Will to end. It brought to mind the infamous lines her namesake recited in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. “It was the nightingale, and not the lark…believe me, love, it was the nightingale.”

  “Will, I don’t kn
ow what to say.”

  “Don’t say anything.” Will stretched like a satisfied Cheshire cat and flashed a mischievous grin. He proceeded to move his naked body against Juliette’s, placing fluttering kisses on the tip of her nose, her eyelids, her forehead, her cheeks, and her lips.

  Responding to his amorous advances, Juliette lifted her arms over her head to give him better access to her breasts and lower body parts, which inflamed Will even more.

  “Juliette, my love,” he whispered. “I can’t get enough of you.” His mouth found her nipples, and he teased her with his tongue while his fingers explored her until she was writhing beneath him.

  “I want, I want—” she panted.

  “Tell me what you want, Juliette. I want to satisfy you.”

  Juliette twisted her body as an orgasm threatened to rip through her body with the power of an earthquake.

  “I want you inside of me, Will, now,” she cried out ecstatically, her arms pinned above her head as he moved his mouth back to hers. As he drove into her again and again, she moved against him, taking him deeper and deeper inside.

  Will collapsed on top of her, forcing an “I love you,” to whoosh out of her.

  Winded, Will looked into Juliette’s violet eyes. “Did I hear the “L” word?”

  Juliette smiled. “Did I?”

  “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with our hearing,” he said. “I’m in love with you, Juliette Spencer.” He paused, waiting for a response. “And this is the part where you say…”

  Juliette reached up and kissed Will on the lips. “I think I might be in love with you, Will Bradley.”

  “You think? You think? You don’t know?” Will feigned distress.

  “I would be up to a repeat performance, just to verify my feelings.”

  “You’ve worn this old body out, Juliette, for the moment. I love you, and I’ll shout it out to everyone in Bermuda. I’ll never get tired of saying it.”

  “And I’ll never get tired of hearing it.”

  Will took Juliette in his arms and gave her a possessive squeeze with a grip as tight as a boa constrictor’s.